The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has voiced concern about the situation in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). In a statement posted on X, the rights body urged the federal and AJK governments to address public grievances through meaningful dialogue and to prevent any further loss of life.
The commission also called for journalists to be given unrestricted access to the area so they can report on developments freely. It said its fact-finding mission had already raised concerns about the situation during a visit to AJK in early August.
Months of protests and a banned protest committee
The unrest follows months of demonstrations in AJK over inflation, higher electricity tariffs, unemployment and a shortage of basic facilities. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) launched a movement over these issues in early June and planned a long march towards Muzaffarabad on June 9.
Following a series of violent incidents, the AJK government declared the committee proscribed on June 5. Several of its leaders were later detained, and some members said they were distancing themselves from the group.
Security operations and restrictions in Rawalakot
State television reported on Thursday that law enforcement agencies carried out an early morning operation against sit-ins that had been running in Rawalakot for several months. According to the report, protesters were cleared from the city’s bus terminal. A similar clearance operation took place in Bagh district on Wednesday, ending a sit-in at Kothian, the broadcaster said.
After the Rawalakot operation, the administration imposed Section 144 in the city. The order bans gatherings of five or more people at any location, along with public meetings, processions, rallies and protests.
The HRCP said authorities should give priority to dialogue while tensions continue. It repeated its call for journalists to be allowed to report independently from the region.
