World News
Protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir continue despite internet blackout and alleged repression
Human rights monitors report dozens of deaths and severe humanitarian impacts in Azad Kashmir following clashes over electoral reform and resources.
The short version
- Widespread protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have been ongoing in Azad Kashmir since June, demanding political representation and resource reforms.
- A local human rights organization reports that 89 people have died in clashes with security forces as of August 5, while the Pakistani government denies using force against peaceful activity.
- A government-imposed internet shutdown since early June has disabled banking services, disrupted medical diagnostics, and restricted foreign media coverage.
Key facts
- The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), founded in 2023, has led protests in Azad Kashmir since June demanding electoral reform and territory resources.[France 24]
- Azad Kashmir authorities designated the JAAC as a terrorist movement on June 5, 2026, and the Pakistani government has accused the group of promoting anarchy and taking hostages.[France 24]
- The UK-based Jammu Kashmir Human Rights Observatory (JKHRO) reported that 89 people were killed in the protests between June 5 and August 5, a figure the local government has not confirmed.[France 24]
- The Pakistani government has denied that its security forces used force to suppress peaceful political activity in Azad Kashmir.[France 24]
- An internet shutdown imposed on June 5 has halted local banking services and disrupted medical treatments due to restricted communications.[France 24]
- Local legislative elections in seven constituencies, including Rawalakot, were postponed for security reasons, leaving 7 of the 45 seats unfilled after the July and August voting cycles.[France 24]
What remains uncertain
- The exact number of casualties remains unverified as authorities in Azad Kashmir have not released official death toll figures.[France 24]