Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Polls Marred by Violence, Media Crackdown

PoK (File photo) As Pakistan-occupied Kashmir goes through its so-called assembly polls, reports of brutality, violence and unrest continue to surface, with global human rights and press freedom watchdogs raising alarm over an escalating crackdown on protesters and the media. International organisations, including Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have flagged allegations of state-backed violence, restrictions on independent reporting, enforced disappearances of journalists and prolonged internet shutdowns. They have urged Pakistani authorities to end the crackdown, restore communication services and ensure transparent investigations into alleged human rights violations. Highlighting reports of excessive force used against demonstrators in Rawalakot, Amnesty International said the incidents reflected Pakistan's long record of using unlawful violence against protesters. "The disturbing reports emerging from Rawalakot are consistent with the Pakistani authorities' long history of unlawful violence against protesters. A prompt, independent, and transparent investigation must be ordered into the security forces' use of force against protesters. 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," Amnesty said in a post on X. Echoing similar concerns, CPJ said it was monitoring the deteriorating press freedom situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, citing internet blackouts, telecommunications shutdowns, reporting restrictions and the detention and disappearance of journalists. The press freedom watchdog also expressed concern over the reported disappearance of independent journalist Razi Tahir and his colleague Muhammad Saif, who were allegedly taken by men in police uniforms from their office in Islamabad on August 1. "CPJ is deeply concerned by reports that independent journalist Razi Tahir and his colleague Muhammad Saif have been missing since August 1. They were reportedly taken by men in police uniforms from their office in Islamabad, and their whereabouts remain unknown. Pakistani authorities must acknowledge whether they are in state custody, ensure due process, and immediately release them if they are being arbitrarily detained," it wrote. In a subsequent update, CPJ said the two journalists remain missing while Kashmiri journalist Raja Ikram, who was reportedly detained in Islamabad on August 1, has since been released. "Journalists Razi Tahir and Muhmmad Saif remain missing after reportedly being taken by men in police uniform on August 1. Pakistani authorities must acknowledge their detention if they are in state custody, ensure due process, and immediately release them. Kashmiri journalist Raja Ikram, who was reportedly detained in Islamabad on August 1, was later released," it added. CPJ also said the media crackdown appears to be extending beyond the region, pointing to reported action against major news outlets alongside continuing telecommunications disruptions. The criticism comes as casualties continue to mount during the ongoing protest movement. According to figures released by the Human Rights Council of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (HRC-PoJK) as of Sunday, at least 80 people have died, including 33 civilians before July 27, 43 people killed since July 27 across Rawalakot, Mirpur and Muzaffarabad, and four Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir police personnel.