While we appreciate the report’s efforts to document the human rights violations in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, we would like to reiterate that there is simply no parallel between the horrendous human rights situation in [IOK] and the prevailing environment in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan,” a statement issued by the Foreign Office in Islamabad said.
It stressed that unlike IoK, “which is the most militarised zone in the world”, AJK and GB remain open to foreign visitors.
Last year, OHCHR had released its first-ever report on Kashmir, documenting wrongdoing by both sides and urging action to reduce long-standing tensions.
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In a follow-up report released today, the rights office said “neither India nor Pakistan have taken any concrete steps to address the numerous concerns raised”.
In Indian-occupied Kashmir, “accountability for violations committed by members of the Indian security forces remains virtually non-existent”, the report said.
The groundbreaking 2018 findings were particularly hard on India, highlighting “chronic impunity” for misconduct by troops.
Pakistan welcomed the 2018 findings even though the UN said obtaining information about AJK was difficult given restrictions on freedom of expression and information.
“No steps have been taken to resolve the main issues, including a number of highly problematic legal restrictions,” the rights office said on Monday.
Global News 
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