Human rights and political activists raise concerns over grim situation in PoK, Gilgit

Islamabad (Pakistan), Feb 09 (ANI): Human rights defenders and political activists from several parties have expressed concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. Speaking at an event titled "Right to Self Determination of Jammu and Kashmir people and Freedom of Expression" at the Islamabad Press Club, they highlighted several issues, including a demand to lift the ban on students unions and the right to freedom of speech and expression. The United Kashmir Peoples' National Party (UKPNP) opposed to the construction of mega projects in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan, describing such works as a sheer violation of United Nations resolutions. The UKPNP also passed a resolution demanding the immediate abolition of Act -1974, including all discriminatory laws and clauses. It said that the local population should be empowered and people must be liberated from documents of slavery. The resolution called on the Government of Pakistan to ref