Amnesty International on Saturday, 25 July expressed grave concern over an ongoing crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), citing 50 days of internet blackouts, mass arbitrary arrests, and sweeping restrictions on movement imposed by Pakistani authorities. The rights body warned that these measures represent serious violations of the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association — with regional elections in PoK scheduled for 27 July.

What Amnesty International Said

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Amnesty International said that people in PoK have endured 'internet blackouts, mass arbitrary arrests and restrictions on movement' over the past 50 days amid a crackdown on dissent. The organisation called on Pakistani authorities to 'ensure that people can exercise their rights freely and without fear' as elections approach.

Amnesty specifically demanded that authorities investigate allegations of unlawful use of force against protesters, fully restore internet services, release all those arbitrarily detained for peacefully exercising their rights, and lift what it termed the 'unlawful' blanket ban on civil society group Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

JAAC's Position on the Ground

On Thursday, the JAAC reported that a voluntary shutdown and wheel-jam strike was underway across PoK despite harsh weather conditions. In a post on X, the group said residents of the occupied territory have continued sit-ins against Pakistani authorities, condemning what it described as 'tyrannical, oppressive rulers' for allegedly massacring 'peaceful, unarmed civilians.'

Addressing speculation about the movement's momentum, the JAAC stated: 'The purpose of postponing the 15 July long march was precisely to show that we support peaceful, purposeful negotiations... After 15 July, a coordinated campaign was launched with the aim of sparking a debate on social media to portray the movement as weak. The field of struggle is nerve-wracking, and victory belongs to the one with the strongest nerves.'

The group also appealed to overseas supporters: 'We have neither bowed nor retreated, nor will we ever compromise on the blood of those killed.'

UN Human Rights Office Raises Alarm

The international chorus of concern intensified last week when the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) raised serious alarm over infringements on fundamental rights in PoK amid escalating unrest that has reportedly left dozens dead and injured.

Jeremy Laurence, Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said: 'The criminalisation of a civil society organisation and imposition of strict limitations on gatherings raise serious concerns about infringements on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. Detained JAAC leaders must have access to legal representation and their families. Their rights to due process and fair trial must be fully guaranteed.'

Broader Context and What Comes Next

This comes amid a broader pattern of civil unrest in PoK, where the JAAC has led protests over governance and rights grievances. The timing of the crackdown — days before the 27 July regional elections — has drawn particular scrutiny from international observers who argue that suppressing dissent ahead of a vote undermines electoral legitimacy.

With both Amnesty International and the OHCHR now on record, pressure on Islamabad is mounting. Whether Pakistani authorities respond to these demands before the election date remains to be seen.