Desk : India on Tuesday strongly criticized Pakistan over the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), accusing Islamabad of spreading fake news to conceal its internal failures and alleged human rights violations.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing the weekly media briefing, said that Pakistan is following a consistent pattern of misinformation by circulating fabricated news and videos to distort ground realities.
“We continue to see a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan. It is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover up its own failures and divert attention from its human rights abuses,” Jaiswal said in response to a question.
The MEA also expressed concern over reports of heavy-handed action by Pakistani security forces against civilians protesting economic distress and lack of basic amenities in the region.
“There are reports of severe police action in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in which several protesters have been killed and many others injured,” the spokesperson said.
Jaiswal further urged the international community to take note of the deteriorating situation and hold Pakistan accountable for alleged violations.
“We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses,” he added.
The statement comes amid widespread protests in PoJK, where residents have taken to the streets over issues such as governance failures, economic hardship, and allocation of reserved legislative seats. Rising inflation, high electricity bills, and shortages of essential goods have further fueled public anger.
Local media reports suggest that Pakistani authorities have deployed paramilitary forces to control the unrest, leading to violent clashes between security personnel and protesters in several areas.
Clashes in regions such as Rawalakot have reportedly resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, further escalating tensions and drawing calls for independent investigation and international attention.