The Awami Action Committee leader, Shaukat Nawaz Mir, has strongly criticized the Pakistani government and army for their actions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK). Mir stated that the region is not free, directly contradicting the term ‘Azad Kashmir’. He accused the authorities of oppressing local residents. Mir referenced how General Asim Munir had referred to Hindus as ‘infidels’ before the Palgham attack. He added that Pakistan accuses others of committing atrocities, yet it carries out its own acts of violence within PoJK. These statements were made amidst ongoing protests in PoJK against the Pakistani government’s policies. Mir highlighted the suppression of the voices of the people, along with restrictions on the media, questioning how the Pakistani forces could represent the populace while allegedly killing them. Mir also said that the Pakistani government focuses its criticism on India but ignores its own shortcomings. He added that the Pakistani government, which is a Muslim nation, is killing its own people. According to Mir, the term ‘Azad Kashmir’ is no longer appropriate, as the region is far from being free. To quell the protests, the Pakistani government often resorts to shutting down media and the internet, creating a climate where freedom of expression is heavily curtailed, thereby making the phrase ‘Azad Kashmir’ a mere façade. On Wednesday, violent protests against the Pakistani government resulted in approximately six deaths. In the last three days, at least four people have died in the Dhirkot area of Bagh district, while at least two deaths occurred in Muzaffarabad and two in Mirpur. Over 200 civilians were injured in the clashes. Three police officers also lost their lives, and at least nine were wounded.
PoJK Leader Condemns Pakistani Government and Military’s Actions, Calls ‘Azad Kashmir’ a Misnomer
