Official Letter by OHCHR (Office of Higher Commission for HRs) to PAREPUN Geneva

On May 20, 2024, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) wrote to PAREPUN Geneva. The letter expressed concerns about recent unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The unrest led to the deaths of three protestors and one policeman. Protests began on May 9, 2024, over issues like uninterrupted electric power, tariff hikes, and subsidized wheat provision.

The Pakistani government quickly resolved these issues by releasing a grant of 23 billion rupees. The AJK government launched an inquiry into the fatalities during the protests.

The inquiry revealed that anti-state elements supported by India had exploited the unrest. Legal actions were initiated against the culprits. However, Indian media exaggerated the situation.

The OHCHR urged the Pakistani government to address alleged human rights violations. The letter recommended reconsidering the management of AJK resources, freedom of expression, electoral laws, and the interim constitution of AJK.

Implications:

The UN’s failure to resolve the Kashmir issue has emboldened India. International stakeholders, prioritizing economic gains, have overlooked India’s actions in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The OHCHR has framed a minor administrative issue in AJK as a human rights concern. The letter’s content mirrored stories from the Indian print media, raising suspicions and questioning OHCHR’s credibility.

AJK’s constitutional autonomy is well-documented. Powers were transferred from the Kashmir Council to the AJK government as per the 13th amendment, reflecting the people’s will.

The situations in IIOJK and AJK starkly contrast. In IIOJK, basic rights and civil liberties are denied, with nearly 1 million troops making it the most militarized zone in the world.

In AJK, citizens enjoy basic rights and freedoms, with security forces serving purely security purposes. The OHCHR’s move could support Indian subversive activities in AJK through sponsored miscreants.

Humanitarian Efforts and Development in AJK:

The AJK government, in collaboration with Pakistan, provides shelter, food, education, and healthcare to IIOJK refugees. Focus areas include good governance and economic development.

Key sectors of development include road infrastructure, hydropower generation, quality education, healthcare, tourism, industry, agriculture, and telecommunications. The OHCHR’s actions have been deemed irresponsible.

It is recommended that the Pakistani government express its reservations through diplomatic channels. The OHCHR’s concerns and recommendations have sparked debate over AJK’s stability and human rights situation.

The Pakistani government’s response through diplomatic channels will be crucial in addressing these concerns and maintaining regional stability.