US expresses concern over human rights situation in PoK

WASHINGTON: Expressing concern over human rights situation in Pakistan occupied Kashmir ( PoK), the US has called for working out differences peaceably and through a valid political process.

"We do have concerns about the human rights situation there (PoK), have reported it for several years in our Human Rights report," State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner told reporters at his daily news conference yesterday.

"We are always urging all parties in Pakistan to work out their differences peaceably and through a valid political process," he said when asked about the human rights situation in PoK.

"And with respect to Kashmir, our policy there is well known," Toner said without elaborating further.

Earlier this month, protesters took to streets in the Gilgit-Baltistan region against human rights abuses and crackdown by the Pakistani security forces.