The founder and leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Altaf Hussain, has called for an immediate cessation of the use of force against residents in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK). Speaking via TikTok on Sunday, Hussain warned that continued military action in the region could endanger Pakistan's own stability and existence, stating that the fire ignited in PoK could spread across the entire country.
Call for Immediate De-escalation
Addressing party workers and the global public, Hussain said, "The use of force in Kashmir should be stopped immediately. If Pakistan does not stop military action in Kashmir and continues the oppression there, Pakistan's very existence could also be at risk." He alleged that residents from Rawalakot and other areas of PoK had informed him about incidents involving the Pakistani military, and he strongly condemned the actions of Pakistani security forces against Kashmiris, expressing solidarity with them.
Historical Injustice and Self-Determination
Hussain stated that the people of the region have faced injustice for the past 80 years and asserted that the future of the region should be determined by Kashmiris themselves. He argued that, constitutionally and legally, Azad Jammu and Kashmir is not a part of Pakistan, alleging that Islamabad exercises control over the region despite its separate constitutional status. "In principle, Kashmir belongs to the Kashmiris, and it is now the unanimous decision of Kashmiris that Kashmir will remain theirs," the statement read.
Hussain further noted that the Government of Pakistan itself has stated in the Supreme Court that Azad Kashmir is not part of Pakistan. "If Azad Kashmir were constitutionally a part of Pakistan, then Pakistan would have five provinces instead of four," he added.
Allegations of Crackdown and Human Rights Abuses
The MQM founder also alleged that residents of PoK are being deprived of their fundamental rights and that peaceful protests are met with force. He claimed that Pakistani Rangers, Frontier Corps personnel, and other security forces have been deployed to suppress demonstrations. Referring to reports from Rawalakot, Hussain alleged that security personnel used force against peaceful protesters, resulting in casualties, and that internet services had been suspended, curfews imposed, and restrictions placed on movement.
Condemning what he described as "Yazidi-style atrocities," Hussain urged Pakistani authorities to immediately halt the alleged crackdown. "I and my MQM strongly condemn the oppression inflicted on Kashmiris. We fully support all the legitimate demands of Kashmiris and call upon those in authority to give Kashmiris all their rights and remove their grievances," he said.
Broader Implications for Pakistan
Hussain criticized the policy of using force against various groups within Pakistan, alleging that similar policies have fueled unrest in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He claimed that security operations in tribal regions have displaced local populations, creating internally displaced persons (IDPs), while continued military actions, drone strikes, and bombardments have fueled resentment.
Appealing to Pakistan's leadership, he said, "For God's sake, stop this oppression against the people of your own country and have mercy on Pakistan. Pakistan has already been divided because of injustice and oppression; do not repeat the mistakes of the past with the remaining Pakistan." He reiterated that continued military action in Kashmir, if not halted, could endanger Pakistan's future.
Background of Protests
The statement comes amid widespread protests in PoJK, where residents have taken to the streets over issues including governance, economic hardship, and the allocation of reserved legislative seats. Soaring inflation, high electricity bills, and scarcity of essential commodities are among the other grievances. Local media reports suggest that the Pakistani administration has deployed paramilitary forces to quell dissent, leading to violent clashes and casualties. Clashes in Rawalakot and other areas have reportedly left several people dead and many injured, triggering widespread condemnation and calls for an independent investigation.
