Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: Commenting on the situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), Tasleema Akthar, Human Rights Defender and Chairperson of the Association of Terror Victims, alleged that Pakistan continues to suppress the voices of civil society and does not tolerate peace or progress in the region. She claimed that individuals and groups raising concerns or advocating for justice are often viewed with suspicion.

Speaking on the issue, Akthar said, “They don’t even tolerate the happiness of this Kashmir. The Pakistani Army refers to civil society as terrorists.” She asserted that peaceful activists and members of civil society face undue pressure and restrictions, urging greater international attention to the concerns and human rights issues affecting people in PoJK.