Islamabad, June 17: The Pakistani administration’s crackdown on peaceful protesters in Pakistan-administered Kashmir is facing international condemnation. A prominent human rights organization has reported that over 32 civilians, including a woman, lost their lives between June 8 and June 16 during this suppression.
The International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) stated that following the crackdown, internet and mobile services were suspended across the region. Federal paramilitary forces were deployed, and more than 100 activists and leaders were arbitrarily arrested.
According to the organization, restrictions were also placed on outsiders entering the area. Journalist Sohrab Barkat was arrested under Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act.
Prior to a planned protest on June 9, the Pakistani administration declared the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a banned organization under anti-terrorism laws. This declaration heightened tensions in the region.
IHRF remarked, “Labeling a civil organization as terrorist on vague grounds and cutting off external monitoring of the area is a serious violation of the right to freedom of association.”
The human rights organization asserted that this incident is not isolated but part of a pattern of human rights violations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. They referenced actions taken against JAAC protests in May 2024 and October 2025, which also resulted in numerous fatalities.
IHRF has called for an immediate halt to the use of force against peaceful protesters, restoration of internet services, release of arbitrarily detained individuals, and lifting of restrictions on JAAC. They also demand an independent investigation into the deaths that occurred during this period and accountability for those responsible.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has also criticized the internet blackout in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. According to the organization, the restrictions imposed since June 5 have created an information crisis in the region, affecting access to essential services.
Amnesty highlighted that the movement restrictions have disrupted the supply of essential goods such as food and medicine, severely impacting people’s lives, health services, and their right to mobility.
The organization has urged Pakistani authorities to lift all communication and movement restrictions immediately and restore unfettered access to the region.
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