JKHRO calls for urgent action following UN experts’ concerns over JKJAAC ban and alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir
JKHRO welcomes this intervention and calls on Pakistan and the local authorities to respond fully, ensure independent investigations, review Fourth Schedule restrictions and allow unrestricted access for international media and human rights organisations. Peaceful demands for basic rights must not be criminalised. Victims deserve justice, families deserve answers, and those responsible for violations must be held accountable.
The Jammu Kashmir Human Rights Observatory (JKHRO) welcomes the intervention of six United Nations human rights mandates concerning the proscription of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) and alleged human rights violations in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
In a joint communication addressed to Pakistan, dated 4 September 2026, reference AL PAK 4/2026, the UN experts express serious concern that JKJAAC’s designation as a terrorist organisation may represent the misuse of counter-terrorism powers against political, labour and human rights advocacy. They question whether the designation meets international standards concerning evidence, necessity, proportionality and procedural safeguards.
The communication refers to reports that at least 96 protesters and six police or paramilitary personnel had been killed since protests began in June 2026. It also raises allegations of arbitrary arrests, restrictions on internet and mobile communications, curfews, denial of medical care and pressure on bereaved families to describe their relatives as terrorists before receiving their bodies.
The experts further highlight reports that 205 people, including women, were placed on the Fourth Schedule, with resulting restrictions involving identity documents, bank accounts, passports and freedom of movement.
JKHRO considers this intervention a significant call for transparency and accountability. The communication recognises the serious concerns surrounding the use of counter-terrorism measures against a movement advocating on governance, public services, electricity tariffs, employment, land rights and political representation.
Peaceful demands for basic rights must not be treated as grounds for collective punishment. Allegations of criminal conduct must be addressed through credible evidence, individual responsibility and fair proceedings, with effective opportunities to challenge restrictions.
The UN experts have asked Pakistan to explain the legal and factual basis for JKJAAC’s designation, disclose the conduct and evidence relied upon, and identify the safeguards available to challenge the ban. They have also requested information about investigations into alleged killings, injuries, arbitrary detention and restrictions on communications and media reporting, alongside the basis for listing the 205 individuals under the Fourth Schedule.
JKHRO calls on the Government of Pakistan and the authorities in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir to:
Provide a full, substantive response to the UN communication and make public the evidence and reasons relied upon for JKJAAC’s proscription and associated individual restrictions.
Lift the ban and related restrictions unless their lawfulness, necessity and proportionality can be demonstrated, and ensure prompt access to independent judicial review.
Establish independent, impartial and transparent investigations into all potentially unlawful deaths, injuries and allegations of excessive force, ensuring accountability and effective remedies for victims and their families.
Release anyone detained solely for peacefully exercising their rights, and ensure due process, access to lawyers and appropriate medical care for all detainees.
Review Fourth Schedule listings individually and restore identity documents, banking access, passports and freedom of movement wherever restrictions lack a lawful and properly justified basis.
End unjustified communications restrictions and permit unrestricted access for independent journalists and human rights organisations, including relevant UN mechanisms, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.
Protect victims, witnesses, journalists and human rights defenders from intimidation and reprisals, including those who provide information to international mechanisms.
The communication presents allegations and the experts’ concerns; it is not a final judicial determination. Its requests nevertheless require a serious, evidence-based response. The experts expressly urge interim measures to halt alleged violations, prevent their recurrence and ensure accountability where investigations substantiate them.
JKHRO urges international partners to raise this communication directly with Pakistan and seek measurable progress on investigations, access, due process and the protection of fundamental rights.