Forced Disappearance of Social Media Activist Sparks Outrage in Mirpur, Kashmir

By Iftakahar Kalwal

Mirpur, Azad Kashmir: A growing crisis has emerged in Azad Jammu and Kashmir following the forced disappearance of social media activist Mohsin Daspol, who is a supporter of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Daspol, a prominent social media figure in his hometown of Mirpur, was allegedly abducted on February 2, 2025, after posting a viral Punjabi song mocking high-ranking Pakistani political leaders, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, former President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. According to eyewitnesses, Daspol was abducted from a local shop near the Mirpur Cricket Stadium by unidentified men, who reportedly took him away in an unmarked “Vigo” vehicle.

The vehicle was able to pass through the Mangla entry and exit points without being stopped by local police. Since his abduction, there has been no official response from local authorities, including the Mirpur administration and police, leaving many concerned about the safety and well-being of the missing activist.

Daspol’s disappearance comes amidst heightened concerns over freedom of speech and human rights violations in the region. His supporters claim that the abduction was retaliation for his satirical online video, a humorous re-mix that criticized key political figures in Pakistan.

Some argue that his actions may have fallen under the purview of “cybercrime,” yet the absence of any official legal notice or judicial process raises serious questions about the rule of law and due process in the region. The lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the case has led to protests by civil society groups and activists who have called for Daspol’s immediate release.

The silence of both local authorities and the media on the matter has only fueled public outrage. Many have expressed concerns that such actions, if left unchallenged, could undermine the basic principles of freedom of expression and human rights. Critics are questioning the legitimacy of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government, especially its President, Barrister Sultan Mehmood, who is set to address a public rally in Birmingham, UK, on February 15, 2025. The rally will focus on human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir and the suppression of free speech in the region.

Given the ongoing controversy surrounding Daspol’s forced disappearance, it is anticipated that President Mehmood will face tough questions from international media and human rights organizations during his visit. Legal experts argue that if Daspol’s actions are indeed considered a cybercrime, he should have been notified and given the opportunity to defend himself through the judicial process.

The failure to provide any legal clarity or due process raises concerns about the potential violation of basic human rights and the suppression of political dissent in the region. International human rights observers are increasingly concerned about the broader implications of such disappearances, which could contribute to an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the residents of Mirpur and beyond.

This situation casts a long shadow over President Mehmood’s upcoming international engagements, where he is expected to highlight human rights abuses in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Human rights advocates have pointed out that the abduction of Mohsin Daspol could lead to a credibility crisis for the leadership in Azad Kashmir, particularly as the region positions itself as a voice for Kashmiri rights on the global stage. As the international community watches closely, activists are urging the Azad Kashmir government to take swift action to locate and safely release Daspol before his case becomes a focal point for critics.

As protests continue in Mirpur and other parts of Pakistani administered Kashmir and calls for accountability grow louder, the fate of Mohsin Daspol remains uncertain. For now, his family, friends, and supporters hold on to hope that the young activist will be returned safely, and that the authorities will be held accountable for this apparent violation of human rights.