PoJK crackdown: US urges "restraint", calls for respect for "fundamental freedoms"
By Reena Bhardwaj, Washington DC, August 7
The United States has called for restraint from Pakistani authorities and peaceful protest from demonstrators amid ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. A US State Department spokesperson urged local authorities to exercise restraint and respect the fundamental freedoms of the people, amid mounting reports of human rights violations in the region.
Responding to questions from ANI on the months-long crackdown in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK), the spokesperson, speaking on background, said Washington urges officials "to create the conditions for free and fair elections that can be conducted in a peaceful manner, including ensuring access to information." They added that the department calls on "all protestors to express their grievances peacefully" and on local authorities to "exercise restraint, act in accordance with their country's laws and constitution, and respect fundamental freedoms as they seek to maintain order."
Security forces in PoJK have killed dozens of protesters since June 2026, besides imposing an internet blackout and restricting foreign media access.
On Sunday, the region witnessed widespread disruptions and logistical failures, with demonstrations reported across PoJK and among Kashmiri communities in other Pakistani cities, including Karachi.
Monitoring groups have raised alarm over reported enforced disappearances of journalists, restrictions on foreign media outlets, and widespread internet shutdowns, and have called for an end to the crackdown and transparent investigations into the alleged human rights violations. Amnesty International has also flagged reports of force being used against demonstrators in Rawalakot and called for an immediate external inquiry.
Meanwhile, India on Tuesday slammed Pakistan over the continuing crackdown on civilians in PoJK, saying at least 90 civilians have lost their lives since June, and called the local elections in the region a "complete farce."
Addressing a biweekly press briefing in the national capital, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for atrocities against civilians.
"This so-called local election in PoK is a complete farce. The real happening is that of public protests and wanton killings by Pakistani forces. Such hollow exercises cannot hide reality," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartbreaking to see the situation in PoJK. The internet blackout and restrictions on media are concerning. The US should push for a transparent investigation. The people there deserve fundamental freedoms, just like anyone else. India's statement calling the elections a "farce" seems accurate given the ground reality.
The MEA spokesperson is absolutely right. These so-called elections in PoK are nothing but a sham to cover up the brutal crackdown. The international community has been silent for too long on Pakistan's human rights violations. It's time to ramp up diplomatic pressure and expose the truth. 🇮🇳
I appreciate the US State Department's call for restraint, but let's be real—words without consequences don't mean much. When will there be concrete actions instead of just diplomatic statements? The people in PoJK are suffering while the world watches. This needs more attention and a real intervention mechanism.
The internet shutdowns and enforced disappearances of journalists are alarming. This isn't about politics; it's about basic human rights. Pakistan needs to understand that suppressing voices will only lead to more unrest. Kudos to India for raising this at the international level, but we need global pressure to make a real difference.
Honestly, I'm not surprised by the US response. They always take this "balanced" approach when it comes to Pakistan, even when the evidence of human rights abuses is clear. 90 dead civilians and counting—this is a humanitarian crisis. India's firm stance is necessary, and I hope more countries follow suit.
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