'PoK Unrest Consistent With Pakistan's History Of Violence': Amnesty Calls For Probe, Lifting Of Blackout

Published 29 July 2026 · world

'PoK Unrest Consistent With Pakistan's History Of Violence': Amnesty Calls For Probe, Lifting Of Blackout Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 11:58 IST Amnesty

'PoK Unrest Consistent With Pakistan's History Of Violence': Amnesty Calls For Probe, Lifting Of Blackout Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 11:58 IST Amnesty International has called for an independent probe into Rawalakot violence and restoration of internet services in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as the death toll reaches 37. Amnesty International has urged Pakistan to restore communications access and order an independent investigation into the reported use of force against protesters in Rawalakot during the so-called legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. (Photo: AFP) Amnesty International USA has called on the Pakistani authorities to immediately restore communications access and order an independent investigation into reports of lethal force being used against protesters in Rawalakot during the first phase of the so-called legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In a statement issued on Tuesday, Amnesty International’s Acting Regional Director for South Asia, Isabelle Lassee, said the reports emerging from Rawalakot were consistent with what the organisation described as a long history of unlawful violence against protesters in the region. “The disturbing reports emerging from Rawalakot are consistent with the Pakistani authorities’ long history of unlawful violence against protesters in Jammu and Kashmir." “A prompt, independent, and transparent investigation must be ordered into the security forces’ use of force against protesters," Lassee said in the statement.

The rights organisation also expressed concern over the continued suspension of internet and mobile services, saying it was hampering independent verification of events on the ground. “So long as an internet and mobile services blackout remains in place, it will severely impede the independent verification of the full extent of the situation on the ground. We urge the Pakistani authorities to restore all communications access and allow media and independent observers into the area," the statement added. AMNESTY CRITICISES BAN ON JAAC Amnesty International also questioned the ban imposed on the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), saying it had repeatedly urged the Pakistani authorities to lift the prohibition on the protest movement and stop using anti-terror laws against its members and supporters. “The ban cannot be used as an excuse to mete out deadly violence against protesters," Lassee said. According to the organisation, the JAAC was designated a “proscribed organisation" under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014, on June 5, 2026. DEATH TOLL IN PoK UNREST REACHES 37 Meanwhile, the overall death toll linked to the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has risen to 37. News agency PTI reported that the JAAC claimed at least 14 of its activists were killed and more than two dozen injured during clashes with law-enforcement personnel on the first day of polling.