UN calls for accountability in PoK protests

The United Nations has expressed concern over the security situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where months of protests over 12 contentious refugee seats and elections to the so-called Legislative Assembly have led to a crackdown by Pakistani security forces. UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq, speaking on behalf of Secretary-General António Guterres, said on August 8 that there needs to be accountability if people were harmed for engaging in peaceful protest. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk had earlier called for impartial investigations into protester deaths, the ban of the Pakistan — Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), and restrictions on internet access and public gatherings. The JAAC, a coalition of traders, transporters, students, lawyers, and activists, has reportedly claimed that more than 400 protesters have been killed since early June, including over 40 during the first phase of polling on July 27. Pakistan's government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has dismissed these figures as exaggerated, with adviser Rana Sanaullah stating the death toll is in the 'two digits'. India, which considers the entire region its territory, has called the elections a 'complete farce' and accused Pakistani forces of 'wanton killings'. The UN's statements add to international attention on the worsening human rights situation in the region.