UKPNP Condemns the Killing of Shahzaib Habib and Injury of Umar Nazir, Calls for Independent Investigation and Protection of Democratic Rights. Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri

 UKPNP Condemns the Killing of Shahzaib Habib and Injury of Umar Nazir, Calls for Independent Investigation and Protection of Democratic Rights. Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri

June 6, 2026

The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) strongly condemns the killing of Shahzaib Habib and the injury of Umar Nazir after their vehicle was reportedly targeted on the night of June 5, 2026, while returning from Khaigala to Rawalakot in Poonch.

According to reports, the vehicle carrying Umar Nazir, a Core Committee Member of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), came under attack near Barmanag. The incident resulted in the tragic death of Shahzaib Habib, a close friend, trusted associate, and media adviser to Umar Nazir. Umar Nazir sustained injuries in the attack.

Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairman of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), strongly condemned this brutal act and expressed his deepest condolences to the family of Shahzaib Habib. He also wished Umar Nazir a swift and complete recovery.

The UKPNP Chairman demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and called upon the relevant authorities to conduct a transparent, impartial, and independent investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought before the law without delay.

Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri stated that UKPNP firmly believes in peaceful political struggle and strongly opposes violence, regardless of whether it is perpetrated by a state, institution, group, or individual. He noted that Umar Nazir has consistently advocated peaceful and nonviolent methods in his public speeches and political activities. Even after suffering the loss of one of his closest friends, Umar Nazir has appealed to the public to remain calm, peaceful, and nonviolent, a position that deserves recognition.

The UKPNP has consistently encouraged the Joint Awami Action Committee to pursue its objectives through peaceful and democratic means while remaining vigilant and focused on its legitimate demands. The party believes that peaceful engagement and dialogue remain the most effective means of addressing political and public grievances.

Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri further stated that the reported decision to declare the Joint Awami Action Committee a proscribed organization constitutes a draconian and undemocratic measure that raises serious concerns regarding internationally recognized rights and freedoms. He emphasized that the rights to peaceful assembly, association, organization, and freedom of expression are protected under international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

He noted that only days earlier, representatives of the Government of Pakistan, institutions, and the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Government had been engaged in negotiations and dialogue with the Joint Awami Action Committee and calling them their brothers. During that period, no major incidents of violence were reported. Therefore, the sudden characterization of the organization as a terrorist entity raises serious questions and warrants careful review.

The UKPNP reiterates that the use of force against peaceful civilians, political activists, and human rights defenders cannot be justified under any circumstances. The party stresses that violence, intimidation, and suppression only deepen public grievances and create further instability. Sustainable solutions can only be achieved through dialogue, negotiations, and democratic engagement.

The party calls upon the authorities in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to reconsider and reverse measures that restrict the democratic and political rights of citizens and to ensure that individuals are able to exercise their rights peacefully and lawfully.

Furthermore, the UKPNP encourages the Joint Awami Action Committee to continue reviewing its policies and demands, including issues relating to the twelve reserved Kashmiri refugee seats, so that all legitimate objectives may be pursued through peaceful, democratic, and inclusive means without placing lives at risk.

The UKPNP also reminds its members and supporters to remain vigilant and responsible. Members are advised not to circulate unverified information, rumors, AI-generated videos, manipulated audio recordings, or other forms of misinformation. The party's central leadership is closely monitoring developments and will make decisions based on verified facts and circumstances.

All members are strongly advised to follow official party communications and updates through authorized UKPNP social media platforms and communication channels.

Issued by:

Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan
Central Spokesperson
United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP)
June 6, 2026