PoK unrest: Pak forces fire on civilians; press gag continues

Islamabad, Aug 5:

As the unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continue to mount, the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on Tuesday alleged that Pakistani forces opened live fire and used tear gas against unarmed civilians in Bagh district. The allegations also include Pakistani forces setting civilians’ motorcycles ablaze in the Makri region of Muzaffarabad district in the occupied territory.

These latest incidents came amid escalating brutality by Pakistani forces against protestors across PoK, where over 50 people have reportedly been killed and hundreds injured over the past few days.

The JAAC urged the United Nations, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), international media, and human rights bodies to closely monitor the deteriorating situation in PoK, press for an immediate and independent investigation and ensure accountability for any unlawful use of force.

Meanwhile, leading international human rights organisation Amnesty International called on Pakistani authorities to conduct an independent and transparent investigation into the security forces’ use of force against protesters in PoK.

Amid escalating unrest in PoK, an international press freedom group expressed grave concern over the deteriorating condition of media professionals in the occupied territory, citing internet blackouts, telecommunications shutdowns, restrictions on reporting, and the detention and disappearance of journalists. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on Pakistani authorities to immediately end the crackdown on journalists, restore access to information, and allow independent reporting in PoK.

Highlighting the ongoing crackdown on journalists across PoK, the CPJ said, “Independent Kashmiri journalist Syed Farhad Ali Shah remains in detention over his coverage of the protests. There has been no update on his condition since he began a hunger strike on July 28 in Bagh district. Authorities must ensure he has access to urgent medical care and immediately release him.”

“Journalists Razi Tahir and Muhammad 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,” it added.The CPJ cited claims by many social media users that access to some international broadcaster website had been restricted in Pakistan after the outlet reported from PoK on August 1.

Several users in Pakistan reported difficulties accessing the Al Jazeera website, and raised concerns over press freedom, internet restrictions, and the public’s right to access independent information. The reported restriction comes amid growing tensions in PoK, where protests and unrest have intensified over the past several days.
The organisation also referred to media reports which indicated that a “partial internet blackout and severe telecommunications restrictions” have been in place across PoK since June 5.