Allow Peaceful Protest: UN Seeks Accountability From Pakistan Over PoK Unrest

The United Nations has urged Pakistan to allow peaceful protests and hold people accountable if protesters were harmed. The call comes as Pakistan faces protests over PoK rights, Balochistan, Imran Khan, taxes, fuel prices and rising living costs.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said, “It’s important that all authorities everywhere allow for peaceful protest.” He added, “If there have been people harmed for engaging in peaceful protest, there needs to be accountability for that.”

In PoK, protesters have taken to the streets with banners and placards demanding justice, cheaper electricity and flour, better governance and greater political rights. Their message has centred on “Justice for PoK” and demands for an end to restrictions. The protests have seen clashes, arrests, burnt vehicles and a heavy security presence. Internet and phone restrictions have also made it difficult to follow events.

UN rights chief Volker Türk has called for a “prompt, thorough and impartial” investigation into the deaths of protesters and security personnel. He has also demanded full internet access and talks with local groups.

The unrest has now affected the PoK Legislative Assembly elections. Voting in seven constituencies has been postponed indefinitely because of law-and-order concerns, while polling in four other constituencies is scheduled for August 10.

In Balochistan, protesters and activists have raised demands for greater rights and freedom, with the wider separatist movement using slogans around “freedom for Balochistan”. The province also faces a long-running armed conflict and a strong security response.

Supporters of Imran Khan and PTI have marched with placards calling for “Release Imran Khan” and demanding an end to what they call political persecution. The protests have continued despite arrests and restrictions.

There is also growing anger over fuel prices, taxes and the petroleum levy. Jamaat-e-Islami protesters have demanded that the government roll back the petroleum levy, cut fuel prices and provide relief to families struggling with higher costs.

Pakistan has defended its security response. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said protesters in PoK were being treated as enemies, saying, “I put them in the same category as India.”

India has called the PoK elections a “complete farce”, while the US has urged Pakistan to “exercise restraint” and follow the law.