The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Amnesty International have raised serious concerns over reported violence in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. Both organizations are urging authorities to conduct a prompt, independent, and transparent investigation into the incidents.
Clashes between protesters and security forces occurred in Rawalakot on Monday and Mirpur on Tuesday, resulting in multiple casualties. These events followed weeks of protests organized by the now-proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been advocating for the abolition of 12 legislatively reserved seats for Indian-occupied Kashmir refugees.
The government has accused militant groups, allegedly operating under a foreign agenda and with Indian backing, of inciting the unrest. This tension coincides with ongoing elections in AJK, which are being conducted in three divisional phases.
In a Tuesday statement, the HRCP expressed deep alarm over reports of deaths and injuries during Monday’s clashes in Rawalakot. It emphasized that while maintaining public order is a duty, it must not compromise the right to life, peaceful assembly, or freedom of expression. The commission called for an end to the “cycle of violence” and demanded accountability for any unlawful use of force.
The HRCP also urged authorities to exercise restraint during protests, particularly as elections approach. It stressed the need to prioritize life protection and restore public trust.
Amnesty International echoed these calls, specifically requesting a “prompt, independent, and transparent investigation” into the reported use of force against protesters. The organization’s Acting Regional Director for South Asia, Isabelle Lassee, highlighted that a communications blackout in the region has hindered independent verification of the situation.
On Wednesday, internet services were partially restored in Muzaffarabad division after a 54-day shutdown. Residents welcomed the change, though many reported persistently slow cellular data speeds. Efforts to secure full service restoration continue, as authorities have maintained restrictions in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad despite public demands.
For the past month, AJK regional authorities and the JAAC have clashed over multiple issues, primarily the committee’s demand to eliminate the 12 reserved legislative seats. On June 5, following a scheduled strike announcement by JAAC, the AJK government declared it a proscribed organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). Subsequent actions included arrests of JAAC leaders and placing 147 activists on the ATA’s Fourth Schedule.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that JAAC is not a peaceful entity but engages in violence, alleging foreign sponsorship and Indian funding. He noted that elections in AJK proceeded peacefully and transparently, with all major parties participating fully. However, he criticized JAAC for rejecting the election process.
