# UN chief backs impartial probe into PoK protest deaths 2026-08-08T00:08:02+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The United Nations has backed an impartial investigation into the deaths of protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres supports his human rights chief’s call for accountability if peaceful protesters were harmed, his deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Friday. About 50 protesters have been killed since June during demonstrations led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) against alleged election irregularities. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has demanded prompt, thorough probes into all deaths, including of security personnel. He also voiced concern over Pakistan banning the JAAC under anti-terrorism laws and arresting its leaders, calling it a violation of freedom of expression and assembly. The UN urged authorities to restore full internet access and hold inclusive political dialogue to address local grievances. ## Coverage - telanganatoday.com - indiatoday.in Tags: human rights, Kashmir, Pakistan, PoK protests, UN inquiry Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/un-chief-backs-probe-into-pok-protest-killings/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/un-chief-backs-probe-into-pok-protest-killings/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.