Türk expresses concern over JAAC ban, internet restrictions, protest deaths in Azad Jammu and Kashmir
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. Photo: AFP
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Friday called for calm in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and called for meaningful and inclusive political dialogue to address underlying issues amid a wave of unrest ahead of elections to the region’s legislative assembly later this month.
His call came as the situation in AJK remained tense after the government banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the group leading the protests, under anti-terrorism laws. The JAAC has continued its sit-in and vowed to maintain it until its “legitimate demands” are met.
Several protesters and law enforcement officers have been killed in clashes since June ahead of Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for July 27.
Read: AJK seeks additional federal forces
Türk called for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into all riot-related deaths, including those of protesters and security personnel.
@volker_turk calls for calm in #Pakistan-administered #Kashmir amid recent unrest ahead of regional elections later this month.
Prompt, thorough and impartial investigations must be carried out into all deaths of dozens of protesters and security personnel… pic.twitter.com/qdwX0KxVFC
– UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) July 17, 2026
The UN rights chief also raised concerns about the JAAC’s ban under anti-terrorism laws, saying the criminalization of a civil society organization and the imposition of strict restrictions on public gatherings raised serious concerns about possible violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
He also called for the detained JAAC leaders to be granted access to legal representation and their families, and emphasized that their rights to due process and a fair trial must be fully guaranteed.
Türk further expressed concern about restrictions on Internet access in the region, saying they disproportionately restricted the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive and disseminate information, at a time of intense tensions.
“We urge the authorities to guarantee full Internet access throughout the territory,” he stated.
The UN human rights chief also reiterated his call for meaningful and inclusive political dialogue to address the grievances and concerns of the local population.
Background
Recent riots and deadly clashes broke out in areas including Rawalakot where the JAAC had been staging a sit-in in front of the Rawalakot Combined Military Hospital. AJK Police allege that armed JAAC members opened fire on law enforcement forces deployed in a planned attack, leaving four personnel dead and around 20 injured. JAAC, however, disputes this version, stating that security forces used tear gas and fired projectiles towards the hospital.
According to the AJK police, three people linked to the JAAC and four law enforcement officers died during the protests. However, the JAAC said in a statement that seven people were killed and dozens injured when shots were fired on the street in the dark after the electricity was allegedly cut.
The clash occurred when the AJK government and the JAAC witnessed a clash as the AJK election date was announced as July 27.
Read more: Certain elements seek to create instability in AJK despite repeated offers of dialogue: Rana Sanaullah
AJK’s 53-member legislative assembly includes 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees, people who fled Indian-controlled Kashmir in 1947 and 1965 and are now scattered across Pakistan. Six seats represent refugees from the Jammu division (~434,000 people) and six from the Kashmir Valley (~30,000 people), an already imbalanced arrangement that many consider unfair.
The region witnessed one of its most turbulent periods in October last year, when protests led by the JAAC broke out over demands for constitutional and governance reforms. At least nine people, including three police officers, died during the riots.
The JAAC, which organized the protests and strike, had put forward a wide-ranging charter of demands, including an end to the privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite, the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees, and the elimination of the quota system.
Two days after the violence, the government and the JAAC reached an agreement covering 12 basic and 13 additional points. Under the agreement, both sides agreed to constitute a high-level committee to examine the issue of refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly.
