Human rights activist Tasleema Akhter has drawn attention to the recent crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). She emphasized the stark differences in governance, civic freedoms, and human rights between PoK and the region of Jammu and Kashmir. Akhter’s remarks highlight ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of dissent in these areas.
Akhter underscored the growing contrast in terms of governance, civic space, human rights and development between PoK and J&K, ANI reported. the activist also highlighted the difference in the region’s situation with that in Jammu and Kashmir in India While flagging the challenges in PoK. Akhter’s intervention came during the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, which is being held in Geneva from September 7 to October 7, 2026.
The human rights activist flagged the need for “restoration of civic space and communications” in PoK with “immediate intervention through the UNHRC. “There is a lack of civic space in PoJK besides cases of large-scale reprisals, which require to be addressed,” Akhter said.
