Amnesty International slams Pakistan over massive rights abuses in PoJK
New York, June 10
Amnesty International has strongly condemned Pakistan's sweeping crackdown on protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, accusing authorities of using excessive force, suppressing dissent, and violating fundamental human rights ahead of upcoming regional elections.
Amnesty criticised the decision to designate the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) as a "proscribed organisation" under anti-terrorism legislation.
Amnesty described the move as unlawful and disproportionate, arguing that it represents a serious attack on freedom of association and peaceful political activism.
The crackdown intensified after negotiations between the JKJAAC and authorities reportedly collapsed over the composition of the region's legislature.
On June 5, the same day Pakistan announced regional elections scheduled for July 27, authorities suspended internet and mobile services across the territory and imposed restrictions on movement.
Visitors and tourists were advised to leave the region, while reports indicated the deployment of federal paramilitary forces.
According to Amnesty, these measures have effectively isolated the region and severely restricted the flow of information.
Journalists and activists have also been targeted. Local journalist Sohrab Barkat was arrested under Pakistan's cybercrime laws for allegedly promoting the JKJAAC through his online reporting and remains in custody.
Security forces have reportedly detained more than 100 JKJAAC members and supporters since June 5.
The group's central office in Muzaffarabad was also raided and sealed by authorities.
The situation escalated further following the shooting of JKJAAC activist Shahzeb Habib during an encounter with police.
Amnesty noted that there was no evidence indicating he posed an imminent threat to officers before being fatally wounded.
His death sparked widespread protests, culminating in violent clashes outside a military hospital in Rawalakot.
Police have confirmed that at least eight protesters and four officers were killed during the unrest, while dozens more sustained injuries.
Amnesty International has called for independent investigations into Habib's killing, the deaths of protesters, and the circumstances surrounding the violence.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I feel sad for the people there. They're trapped between two nuclear powers and neither side is really innocent. Pakistan is clearly suppressing voices in PoJK, but India also needs to look inward—what about the human rights situation in Kashmir? As a concerned citizen, I can't just point fingers. We need justice for all Kashmiris, not just political games. That said, Amnesty's report is timely and should be taken seriously by the UN.
This is classic Pakistan—using anti-terror laws to crush opponents. Remember, they also used these laws against the Baloch and in KPK. But what's more disturbing is that while they claim to be fighting for Kashmiri freedom, they're killing activists like Shahzeb Habib. The irony is lost on them. India should leverage this diplomatically—this exposes their narrative. But we must also ensure our own record is clean. Pak's rot is deep, but self-reflection for India is also due. 🕊️
As an international observer, I've followed PoJK tensions for years. Pakistan's move to ban JKJAAC is a serious setback for democracy. It's not just about Kashmir—it's about the right to protest anywhere. The world needs to pressurize Pakistan to restore internet and release detainees. But frankly, I wish more people in India would also criticize our government when it does similar things. Human rights shouldn't be a partisan issue. Stand for Kashmir, stand for all.
This is exactly why Article 370 removal was necessary—Pakistan was playing games while our soldiers died. Now the world sees their true colors: they don't care about Kashmiri rights, they care about controlling territory. But let's not forget, India's actions in Kashmir also need scrutiny. Still, this report is a diplomatic win for India. Time to call out Pak's state terrorism. 🇮
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.