Pak Using Fake News To Cover Up Failings, Human Rights Abuses In PoK: MEA

India on Tuesday accused Pakistan of spreading misinformation to divert attention from alleged human rights abuses in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where reports of police brutality have surfaced amid ongoing protests. Responding to a question by ANI on the situation in PoK, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had observed a recurring pattern of "fake news and videos" originating from Pakistan. "We continue to see in this context a pattern of fake news and videos emanating from Pakistan. It is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses," Jaiswal said. The MEA spokesperson also referred to reports alleging excessive use of force by authorities in PoK. "There are reports of severe police brutality in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, in which several people have been killed and many injured. We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses," he added. The remarks came amid reports of protests and unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, with India alleging that Islamabad is attempting to shift focus away from developments on the ground through misinformation campaigns.