Early Times Report
Jammu, June 17: As reports of widespread human rights violations continue to emerge from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), leading international human rights organisations have urged the global community to intervene and press Pakistan to end its crackdown on civilians.
The International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) and Amnesty International have strongly condemned the actions of Pakistani authorities against peaceful protesters in the region, describing the measures as excessive, unlawful, and incompatible with international human rights obligations.
In a statement, the IHRF claimed that 32 civilians, including at least one woman, were killed by Pakistani security forces between June 8 and June 16, 2026, during protests and related security operations in PoJK.
Condemning what it described as the "violent suppression" of peaceful dissent, the Foundation called for an independent and impartial investigation into all reported civilian deaths, with full access for international observers and accountability for those responsible for the alleged unlawful use of force. It also sought a separate probe into the reported extrajudicial killing of activist Shahzeb Habib.
According to the IHRF, the current crisis escalated after Pakistani authorities on June 5 designated the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC)—a civil society movement advocating political and economic rights—as a proscribed organisation under anti-terrorism laws.
The organisation alleged that the move was followed by a series of restrictive measures, including a region-wide suspension of internet and mobile services, deployment of federal paramilitary forces, arbitrary detention of more than 100 activists and leaders, restrictions on entry into the region, and the arrest of journalist Sohrab Barkat under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.
The Foundation said it had documented a recurring pattern of forceful crackdowns on JKJAAC-led protests, citing similar incidents in May 2024 and October 2025 that reportedly resulted in multiple civilian casualties.
"The latest crackdown is not an isolated incident but reflects a broader pattern of systemic human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir," the IHRF said.
It further alleged that despite the region's nominal autonomy, residents ar "Condemning what it described as the "violent suppression" of peaceful dissent, the Foundation called for an independent and impartial investigation into all reported civilian deaths, with full access for international observers and accountability for those responsible for the alleged unlawful use of force."
The Foundation urged the Government of Pakistan and the PoJK administration to immediately cease the use of force against peaceful protesters, revoke the ban on JKJAAC, release all those arbitrarily detained, and restore internet and mobile communication services across the region.
It also called on the international community to hold Pakistan accountable to its obligations under international human rights law and ensure the protection of fundamental freedoms in territories under its administration.
The IHRF expressed concern over the conduct of regional elections scheduled for July 27, 2026, arguing that holding polls while the region's leading civil society movement remains banned, its leaders detained, and communication channels disrupted would be inconsistent with international democratic and human rights standards.
"Branding a civil society organisation as a terrorist entity on vague grounds, while simultaneously restricting outside scrutiny, constitutes a disproportionate and unlawful violation of the right to freedom of association," the Foundation stated.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International highlighted that Wednesday marked the 13th consecutive day of internet restrictions in PoJK, with mobile services also facing intermittent disruptions.
The rights organisation said the communication blackout, imposed since June 5 following protest calls by the JKJAAC, has severely restricted access to information and essential services while hampering efforts to document alleged human rights violations.
Amnesty urged Pakistani authorities to immediately restore all communication services, stressing that blanket internet shutdowns are inherently disproportionate and incompatible with international human rights standards.
The organisation also expressed concern over reports of physical blockades at key entry points to the region, which it said have disrupted the supply of essential commodities, including food and medicines.
"Such restrictions disproportionately affect people's rights to life, healthcare, and freedom of movement," Amnesty said, calling on the authorities to remove all restrictions on movement and communication and allow unhindered access to the region. |