'Shameful hypocrisy': Expert slams global silence over Pakistan's crackdown in PoK; accuses world powers of ignoring violence against Kashmiri Muslims

An expert on West Asia affairs has accused the international community of "shameful hypocrisy"for ignoring Pakistan’s violent crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where security forces opened fire on protesters demanding affordable electricity and flour.

In a blog for the Times of Israel, European writer Michael Arizanti questioned why "the death of a Palestinian in Gaza is a global headline, but the death of a Kashmiri Muslim in Muzaffarabad is a footnote."

He noted that at least 10 people were killed and over 100 injured in Muzaffarabad, Dheerkot, Rawalakot, and Mirpur, while curfews and communication blackouts have left over 4.5 million people cut off.

"The massacre of Muslim civilians in PoK has barely stirred a whisper. The selective outrage is deafening," Arizanti wrote, accusing both Western nations and Islamic countries of double standards.

He particularly criticised the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for its silence.

"The OIC, so quick to issue statements against India whenever an incident occurs in Jammu and Kashmir, has not uttered a single word about the massacre in PoK. Not one," he said.

"Where are the imams, the scholars, the ministers who thunder about Gaza every Friday? The hypocrisy is as transparent as it is shameful," he added.

Arizanti also slammed Western powers for their silence despite being vocal on Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar.

Calling the killings in PoK a "crime against humanity," he urged the United Nations and the European Union to take immediate action.

"The people of PoK are demanding electricity they can afford, wheat they can eat, representation they can trust. They are not asking for secession, but for dignity. Yet the Pakistani state answers them with violence," Arizanti said,

"Kashmiris in PoK deserve the same rights and protections the world demands for Ukrainians or Palestinians. Their blood is not cheaper. Their cries are not quieter. They are simply unheard,"he added.