Kashmiri diaspora rallies in Washington, seeks global action over PoK humanitarian crisis

Members of the Jammu and Kashmir community from Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia staged a protest outside the White House, urging the United States and the international community to intervene over what they described as a worsening humanitarian situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The demonstration was organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and members of the Kashmiri diaspora in the United States amid continuing protests and unrest in the region.

According to the organisers, around 100 US residents with ties to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including women, children and community leaders, took part in the protest.

Protesters allege humanitarian crisis

Organisers claimed residents of PoK have been facing prolonged shortages of employment opportunities, food, essential utilities and political representation.

They also alleged that Pakistani security forces had used lethal force against recent peaceful demonstrations while restricting access to food supplies, essential services and other basic necessities, creating what they described as a humanitarian emergency.

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The organisers further expressed concern that women, children and elderly residents were living under constant fear because of alleged threats to their safety, hunger and continuing human rights violations.

The demonstrators called on democratic nations and international human rights organisations to take immediate action to protect civilians and address the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the region.

Anti-Pakistan slogans raised outside White House

Videos shared on X showed demonstrators gathered in a park chanting, "iss paar v lenge Azzadi, Uss paar v lenge Azaadi."

Participants also raised slogans against the Pakistan Army and Army Chief Asim Munir while carrying placards reading "Stop State Terrorism in PoK".

The protesters demanded the complete withdrawal of Pakistani troops from the region and voiced support for the JAAC's planned agitation in PoK.

They accused Pakistani security forces of carrying out violent crackdowns and killings during recent unrest and urged Islamabad to resolve the issues through dialogue rather than force.

JAAC renews pressure on Islamabad

The Washington demonstration comes as the JAAC continues to lead anti-government protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The committee had earlier issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Islamabad, warning it would launch a "grand and final response" if its demands were not met.

In an earlier declaration, the JAAC said its sit-in protest would continue indefinitely and appealed to residents as well as overseas Kashmiris to join what it described as a region-wide movement.

The organisation also invited the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the United Nations, international media and human rights organisations to visit PoK to witness what it described as "state oppression" and the alleged killing of civilians.

Talks collapse amid rising tensions

The latest developments follow the breakdown of negotiations between the JAAC and the PoK government.

JAAC leaders have accused Pakistani authorities and the military of choosing force over dialogue as public anger grows over inflation, electricity tariffs, taxation and governance issues in the region.