Islamabad, June 18 (IANS) — A report published by The Hawk on June 18, 2026, states that Pakistan is facing backlash from the Kashmiri diaspora over a violent crackdown in PoK.
An Islamabad-based article dated June 18, 2026, citing IANS, notes that authorities are accused of prioritizing inflated defence spending while deploying force against people in PoK. The report stated that Pakistan is witnessing an unravelling of its geopolitical and domestic narratives driven by the military regime's "counterproductive obsession" with absolute power.
According to a report from the 'International Centre for Peace Studies', the Kashmiri diaspora abroad has shifted from being a tool used by Pakistan to challenge India into becoming its "fiercest critics." The article stated that this development exposes decades of state propaganda and leaves the regime internationally isolated and domestically compromised.
The situation in PoK reportedly took a serious turn in recent weeks. According to the 'International Centre for Peace Studies', innocent civilians were killed, arrested, and forcibly disappeared during this period. Threats are also reported against ordinary residents.
Specific incidents at the Rawalakot Eidgah and adjoining areas involved reports of brutality. The report detailed that in a single incident, at least 16 people were reportedly brutally killed and 37 others were injured.
The 'International Centre for Peace Studies' reported that the bodies of several deceased individuals have not been returned to their families. This has prevented families from holding funerals. The report attributed this refusal to return bodies to fears held by the "Munir-led regime" regarding large crowds at funeral prayers and potential mobilisation.
According to allegations in the 'International Centre for Peace Studies' report, refusing to return the bodies of innocent Kashmiris constitutes serious crimes against humanity. The report also stated that this action violates basic principles of international humanitarian law.
In addition to issues regarding body returns and funeral prayers, internet services have reportedly been shut down in the region. There are reports of the Pakistani army breaking open shop shutters and looting goods and belongings of businessmen and shopkeepers in PoK.