JKHRO Rejects Baseless Allegations by ARY News and Other Pakistani Media Outlets
JKHRO categorically rejects the baseless allegations made by ARY News and other Pakistani media outlets against the organisation and its associated individuals. We call on the media outlets concerned to substantiate their allegations with credible, verifiable evidence or withdraw them and publish appropriate corrections. JKHRO reserves the right to pursue available legal and regulatory remedies.
Jammu Kashmir Human Rights Observatory (JKHRO) categorically rejects the baseless allegations and misleading reporting by ARY News and other Pakistani media outlets targeting the organisation and its associated individuals. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the protection of human rights defenders in Jammu Kashmir and across the world.
Documenting human rights violations, holding state institutions accountable and approaching international legal and human rights mechanisms on behalf of victims are neither acts of conspiracy nor treason, nor do they constitute the pursuit of a foreign agenda. These are legitimate activities recognised under international human rights standards.
JKHRO is a legally registered, UK-based, not-for-profit human rights organisation dedicated to the independent documentation of human rights violations, amplifying victims’ voices before international institutions and pursuing accountability through lawful means.
The United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (1998), particularly Articles 1, 5, 6 and 12, recognises the rights of individuals and organisations to promote and protect human rights, access and disseminate information, engage with international institutions and receive protection against threats, retaliation and intimidation arising from legitimate human rights activities.
Portraying a human rights organisation’s international engagement, correspondence with the United Nations, submission of human rights reports or diplomatic communications as evidence of a foreign conspiracy fundamentally misrepresents these internationally recognised principles.
JKHRO categorically rejects the serious allegations made against the organisation and its associated individuals in broadcasts and reports by ARY News and other Pakistani media outlets.
Linking a human rights organisation or its members to foreign intelligence agencies or unlawful activities against the state is not merely an expression of journalistic opinion. Such allegations are serious factual assertions that require credible and verifiable evidence.
Unrelated photographs, selectively presented social media posts, speculation and alleged personal associations do not, in themselves, establish unlawful conduct by any organisation or individual.
Criticism of state institutions is not treason. Documenting human rights violations is not an act of hostility against the state. Seeking justice for victims is not evidence of collaboration with foreign intelligence agencies.
We reject attempts to portray legitimate human rights advocacy as a national security threat without substantiated evidence. National security concerns cannot serve as a blanket justification for suppressing lawful scrutiny, accountability or the fundamental rights of human rights defenders.
JKHRO calls on ARY News and the other Pakistani media outlets concerned to substantiate their allegations with credible, verifiable evidence or withdraw them and publish appropriate corrections. Those targeted must be afforded a meaningful opportunity to respond.
JKHRO is examining the relevant broadcasts and reports, the allegations presented and their legal implications. The organisation will issue a formal, evidence-based response and reserves the right to pursue all available legal and regulatory remedies, including potential defamation proceedings, where the applicable legal requirements are met.
Our restraint must not be mistaken for weakness. Our response will be grounded in facts, documentary evidence, international human rights standards and the rule of law.
JKHRO does not advocate hostility towards any state, government, institution or armed group. Our mandate is to document human rights violations, defend fundamental freedoms and seek accountability wherever abuses occur, irrespective of the identity or affiliation of those responsible.
Defending human rights is not a crime. Intimidation, unsubstantiated allegations and campaigns of character assassination cannot extinguish the right to undertake legitimate human rights work.
Those making or repeating serious allegations must be prepared to substantiate them with credible evidence and face appropriate legal consequences where their conduct is found unlawful.
We remain committed to truth, justice, accountability and the protection of human dignity.