Islamabad: The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Islamabad, unveiled its Annual Report 2025 titled “Indian Occupied Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh” at a seminar held at its premises, highlighting an alarming escalation in security operations and human rights violations across IIOJK during the year.
The seminar was addressed by Ms. Mushaal Hussein Mullick, Chairperson Peace and Culture Organization and former Advisor to the Prime Minister on Human Rights and Women Empowerment; Senator Asad Qasim, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan & SAFRON; Professor Dr. Muhammad Khan; Dr. Sundas Mustaqeem; and Dr. Gul-i-Ayesha from NUST.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Jauhar traced the historical and diplomatic dimensions of the Kashmir dispute, underscoring that it has remained on the United Nations agenda for decades and continues to require a just, lawful, and internationally mandated resolution. He stressed the urgency of revitalizing diplomatic engagement and enhancing global awareness on the issue.
Senator Asad Qasim highlighted the grave humanitarian consequences of the prolonged conflict, pointing to mass detentions, divided families, and deep-rooted community trauma. He emphasized that durable peace and stability in South Asia are inseparable from a credible international resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Mushaal Hussein Mullick described the situation in IIOJK as a continuing human tragedy, warning that the unresolved dispute remains a serious nuclear flashpoint. She urged the international community to act decisively and facilitate a free, fair, and impartial plebiscite in accordance with UN resolutions.
The panellists unanimously acknowledged that the IRS report presents a comprehensive, evidence-based statistical and analytical assessment of political developments, security practices, and human rights conditions in IIOJK throughout 2025.
According to the report, 2025 witnessed sustained large-scale security operations and sweeping restrictions on civilian life. Preventive and mass detentions were carried out in multiple phases. In February, over 500 individuals were detained in Kulgam, Budgam, and Ganderbal. Following the Pahalgam incident in April, an estimated 1,500–2,000 detentions were reported across several districts. In November, a major crackdown resulted in approximately 1,500 detentions within two days, with over 100 additional detentions in Anantnag, Kathua, Ramban, Doda, and Rajouri. December operations added around 200 more detentions, while Ladakh saw at least 75 protest-related detentions between late September and early October.
The report further documents extensive search and raid operations, noting that over 500 locations were raided across the Valley in November alone, including more than 200 in Kulgam, over 150 residences in Srinagar, and 50 in Sopore. Following the Pahalgam incident, raids were conducted at over 60 locations in Srinagar. The report also records at least nine residential demolitions, a two-month suspension of VPN services in Rajouri, enforcement actions against media offices, and during protest-related events in Ladakh, at least four civilian deaths and 65 to nearly 100 injuries.
The seminar concluded with a unified call for a free and impartial plebiscite in IIOJK, reaffirming that it remains the only viable path to lasting peace and stability in South Asia.