Islamabad, June 19:
The International Human Rights Foundation has condemned the alleged violent crackdown by Pakistani authorities on peaceful protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), claiming that more than 32 civilians, including a woman, were killed between June 8 and 16.
The organisation said the crackdown was accompanied by an internet and mobile network shutdown, deployment of paramilitary forces and the arrest of more than 100 activists and leaders. The rights body also criticised travel restrictions into the region and the arrest of journalist Sohrab Barkat.
According to IHRF, the actions followed the banning of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) under anti-terror laws. Meanwhile, Amnesty International criticised the prolonged communications blackout and movement restrictions, saying they disrupted access to essential services, healthcare, information and documentation of alleged human rights violations.