PoJK Leader Accuses Pakistan of Oppression, Says ‘Azad Kashmir’ is a Sham

The situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK) is deteriorating, with increasing protests against the Pakistani government and military. Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a prominent leader of the Awami Action Committee, has accused the Pakistani government and army of suppressing the local population. He compared the government to a witch, highlighting that the so-called ‘Azad Kashmir’ (Free Kashmir) is far from free. Mir pointed out that General Asim Munir had labeled Hindus as ‘infidels’ before the Palgham attack. He further alleged that Pakistan accuses others of atrocities while its leaders perpetrate them in PoJK. Demonstrations continue in PoJK against this oppression, with Mir stating that the Pakistani forces are killing their own people, silencing the media, and questioning how these forces can claim to represent the people. Mir emphasized that the Pakistani government criticizes India but fails to address its own failings. He asserted that even if the Indian government is considered ‘infidel’, Pakistan, being a Muslim nation, is killing its own people. Mir highlighted that the term ‘Azad Kashmir’ is now causing people to hesitate, asserting that the region is not free. The Pakistani government often shuts down media and internet to suppress protests in Kashmir, creating an environment where freedom of speech is absent, making ‘Azad Kashmir’ a mere pretense. Violent protests against the Pakistani government in PoJK on Wednesday resulted in approximately six deaths. At least four people died in the Dhirkot area of Bagh district during the protests over the past three days, while at least two died in Muzaffarabad, and two in Mirpur, with over 200 citizens injured. Three police officers were also killed, and at least nine were injured in the clashes.