New Delhi, Jul 14: New Delhi on Tuesday said the ongoing protests in PoK were the result of Pakistan’s “decades-long systemic exploitation” of the region and accused Islamabad of responding to public protests with repression instead of addressing the people’s grievances.
Responding to a media query, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the unrest was “a direct consequence of Pakistan’s decades-long systemic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation.”
He alleged that, rather than addressing the legitimate concerns of the local population, the Pakistani state had resorted to “extreme police brutality”, including against women and children.
Jaiswal also accused Pakistan of blocking essential supplies, including food and medicines, imposing internet blackouts, and using lethal force against unarmed civilians, resulting in fatalities.
“We expect the international community to hold Pakistan fully accountable for these egregious abuses and misdeeds,” the MEA spokesperson said.
The remarks came amid continuing protests in PoK where demonstrators have raised concerns over governance, economic conditions, and civil rights.
