'Long history of unlawful violence': Global watchdogs condemn Pakistan's crackdown in PoK

Key Points:

• Reports of violence, brutality, and unrest continue during the assembly polls in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, with international human rights and press freedom organizations raising alarms about a harsh crackdown on protesters and media.
• Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have documented state-backed violence, restrictions on independent reporting, enforced disappearances of journalists, and prolonged internet shutdowns in the region.
• Amnesty highlighted excessive force used against demonstrators in Rawalakot and called for an independent investigation and restoration of communication services to allow transparent reporting and verification.
• CPJ expressed grave concern over the disappearance of independent journalists Razi Tahir and Muhammad Saif, allegedly taken by men in police uniforms, urging Pakistani authorities to confirm their custody status and ensure due process.
• The Human Rights Council of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir reported at least 80 deaths linked to the protests, including civilians and police personnel, amid ongoing media crackdowns and telecommunications disruptions.