HRCP calls for impartial, independent probe into reports of deaths in Rawalakot clashes

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Tuesday called for an impartial and independent investigation into reports of deaths and injuries during clashes between law enforcement personnel and protesters in Rawalakot during the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative elections held a day earlier in Mirpur division.

"HRCP is deeply alarmed by reports that several people have lost their lives and many others have been injured in clashes between law enforcement personnel and protesters in Rawalakot on the day of the first phase of the AJK legislative elections," the HRCP said in a statement on X.

The statement came after reports of multiple deaths and injuries emerged on social media. Several videos circulating online showed scenes of unrest, with claims of violence and casualties, though the details could not be independently verified. Both security forces and the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) claimed the loss of lives on both sides.

AJK Prime Minister Faisal Rathore also pointed towards the loss of lives, saying "blood of innocent Kashmiris" was spilt as he blamed the JAAC for the escalation.

The HRCP said that the reported deaths in Rawalakot were a "stark reminder of the human cost of the tensions that have gripped AJK in recent weeks".

It said that while the authorities had a duty to maintain public order, "this must never come at the expense of the right to life or the freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression".

It added: "We call for an immediate end to this cycle of violence and a prompt, impartial and independent investigation into the reported deaths and injuries, and for anyone responsible for unlawful use of force to be held to account."

The HRCP urged the authorities to exercise restraint in responding to protests.

"As the remaining phases of the elections approach, the focus must shift from confrontation to protecting lives and restoring public confidence."

The opposition coalition Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) also condemned the violence, saying that "protesters were subjected to excessive force" and called for accountability.

In a statement on X, the TTAP said the overall situation in the region, including Pakistan’s internal affairs and developments in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and Kashmir, had become deeply concerning.

“It is unfortunate that although there are parliaments, a Senate and provincial assemblies in name, elected representatives have neither been taken into confidence nor has the nation been informed about what our course of action should be in these difficult circumstances,” it added.

Referring to the protests in AJK, the TTAP said demonstrations had continued for several weeks and described the protesters’ demands as legitimate, centred around democratic rights, justice and the rule of law.

“They were carrying out a peaceful march against unbearable inflation and unemployment,” the statement said.

Also Read: PML-N secures strong lead in AJK polls, wins 9 of 13 seats in Mirpur as unofficial results pour in

It further added that the TTAP and other political parties, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, had attempted to engage with protesters and find a peaceful solution to prevent violence.

“However, no one was allowed to go there and our routes were blocked,” it said.

TTAP claimed that several people had already lost their lives before the latest clashes, alleging that the death toll had increased further based on information received on Monday night.

The statement also referred to videos circulating on social media, claiming they showed unarmed people fleeing on public roads and being targeted by gunfire.

“The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan strongly condemn this brutality and cruelty,” the statement said.

It appealed to citizens across Pakistan, regardless of political affiliation, to stand against what it described as violations of democracy, rule of law and human rights.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also strongly condemned the reported firing during a public march in AJK, calling for an immediate, transparent and impartial judicial investigation into the incident.

“PTI strongly condemns this incident and demands that an immediate, independent, transparent and impartial judicial investigation be conducted into this tragedy so that the facts are brought before the nation and responsible elements are held accountable according to the law,” said a statement issued by the party’s central media department on X.

The statement further said that the reported deaths and injuries of unarmed citizens were a matter of serious concern and described the incident as an attack on human rights, democratic values and civil liberties.

PTI also criticised the AJK government and parties involved in its administration, particularly the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), saying they had a responsibility to provide answers over the incident.

“It is extremely regrettable that while people are on the streets for their basic rights, justice and democracy, their voices are being suppressed through force,” PTI said.

The party warned that such measures could further damage public trust in state institutions and undermine the democratic process.

PTI called for immediate medical assistance for those injured and demanded justice for the families of those killed in the clashes.

The party also expressed condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

“We make it clear that protecting the constitutional and democratic rights of the people is the state’s fundamental responsibility, and the voice of the people cannot be suppressed through any form of oppression or use of force,” it added.

Speaking to the media on Adiala Road in Rawalpindi, Secretary General PTI Salman Akram Raja called for a fact-finding mission comprising journalists, lawyers and civil society members to visit the region and assess the situation.

He questioned the reports and images emerging from AJK, saying it was necessary to establish the facts and present them before the public.

Raja said that the facts about the situation in Azad Kashmir to be presented before the nation.

Commenting on the upcoming August 5 protests, Raja said the party would raise its concerns over the imprisonment of its founder and hold public gatherings in different cities.

Read More: Casualties reported after JAAC, police clash in AJK's Rawalakot

He said the country was facing unrest in several areas, including Balochistan and AJK.

Speaking on the August 5 protest, Raja said that “we have to awaken the nation over the unjust imprisonment of the founder Imran Khan.”

He said a peaceful mobilisation of people could put pressure on the existing system, adding that PTI had submitted applications seeking permission for rallies in Lahore, Rawalpindi and other cities on August 5.

“What is the reason that only PTI gatherings are being banned?” he asked.

Raja said the party would ensure that its activities remained peaceful and did not create law and order issues, referring to Article 15 of the Constitution, saying citizens had the right to peaceful protest.

He also criticised the registration of a case against Noreen Niazi, calling it regrettable and saying legal action should not be taken over personal opinions.

“Someone’s personal views should not become the basis for filing cases,” Raja added.

Raja said discussions would take place during PTI’s central rally in Peshawar on August 5, while protests would also be organised in Punjab.

Background

AJK's 53-member legislative assembly includes 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees — people who fled Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) 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 lopsided arrangement that many see as unfair.

The region witnessed one of its most turbulent periods in October last year when protests led by the JAAC erupted over demands for constitutional and governance reforms. At least nine people, including three policemen, were killed during the unrest.

The JAAC, which organised the protests and strike, had presented 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 scrapping of the quota system.

Two days after the violence, the government and the JAAC reached an agreement covering 12 core and 13 additional points. Under the accord, both sides agreed to constitute a high-level committee to examine the issue of refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly.

The matter is at a deadlock at the moment, with the JAAC calling for the abolition of the seats while the government rejects the demand.