Amid reports of the atrocities and brutalities allegedly committed by Pakistani security forces against unarmed civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), the International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) has condemned the Pakistani authorities' violent crackdown on peaceful protesters.
The IHRF stated that 32 civilians, including at least one woman, were killed by Pakistani security forces between June 8 and 16, 2026, in PoJK.
Strongly condemning Pakistan's actions in the occupied areas of Jammu and Kashmir, the IHRF demanded an independent and impartial investigation into all civilian deaths, with full access for international observers, and accountability for those responsible for the unlawful use of force. The Foundation also called for an inquiry into the alleged extrajudicial killing of activist Shahzeb Habib.
After Amnesty International, the IHRF has also strongly condemned the Pakistani authorities' oppressive measures against unarmed civilians in PoJK, who have been peacefully agitating for their legitimate and genuine demands.
In a statement, the IHRF pointed out that the crisis was triggered when Pakistani authorities 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 on June 5.
This was followed by the complete suspension of internet and mobile services across the region, the deployment of federal paramilitary troops, the arbitrary arrest of more than 100 activists and leaders, travel restrictions preventing outsiders from entering the region, and the arrest of journalist Sohrab Barkat under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.
The IHRF said it has documented a recurring pattern of deadly crackdowns on JKJAAC protests, including incidents in May 2024 and October 2025 that claimed multiple lives.
The Foundation stated that the latest crackdown is not an isolated incident but reflects systemic human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
"Despite nominal autonomy, residents are denied meaningful political representation and are excluded from Pakistan's National Assembly, while political dissent is routinely suppressed through arbitrary detention, harassment, and violence," the IHRF said.
"The denial of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, assembly, and association, violates Articles 19, 21, and 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Pakistan is a signatory," it added.
The IHRF demanded that the Government of Pakistan and the PoJK administration immediately halt the use of deadly force against peaceful protesters, lift the internet shutdown, release all individuals arbitrarily detained, and revoke the ban on JKJAAC.
The Foundation further called for an independent and impartial investigation into all civilian deaths, with full access for international observers and accountability for those responsible for the unlawful use of force, including in the alleged extrajudicial killing of activist Shahzeb Habib.
It also demanded the immediate restoration of internet and mobile communication services across the region.
The Foundation urged the international community to pressure Pakistan to uphold its international human rights obligations and ensure the protection of fundamental freedoms for all people living in the territory under its administration.
"Holding regional elections on July 27, 2026, while the territory's leading civil movement is outlawed, its leaders jailed, and communications blacked out, would be incompatible with Pakistan's international human rights obligations," the IHRF said, calling on the authorities to facilitate peaceful assemblies ahead of the scheduled elections.
"Branding a civil society body as a 'terrorist' organisation on vague grounds, while simultaneously sealing the region from outside scrutiny, constitutes a disproportionate and unlawful violation of the right to freedom of association," it added.
Amnesty International Slams Pakistan's Actions
Earlier, Amnesty International strongly condemned Pakistan's sweeping crackdown on protests in PoJK, accusing the authorities of using excessive force, suppressing dissent, and violating fundamental human rights ahead of the upcoming regional elections.
Amnesty International criticised the decision to designate the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) as a "proscribed organisation" under anti-terrorism legislation. It described the move as unlawful and disproportionate, arguing that it represents a serious attack on freedom of association and peaceful political activism.
