Statement for the International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF)
Date: June 9, 2026
Subject: Pakistan: Designation of Peaceful Protest Movement as “Terrorist” Organization Marks Dangerous Escalation in Jammu and Kashmir Crackdown
The International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF) strongly condemns the Pakistani authorities’ violent and sweeping crackdown on peaceful protests in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which has included an internet shutdown, mass arbitrary arrests, and the deadly use of force. This escalation represents a grave deterioration of human rights in the region.
On June 5, 2026, regional authorities issued a notification designating the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC)—a grassroots movement advocating for the economic and political rights of the local population—as a “proscribed organization” under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014. Branding a civil society body as “terrorist” on vague grounds, while simultaneously sealing the region from outside scrutiny, constitutes a disproportionate and unlawful violation of the right to freedom of association.
Concurrent actions—including the suspension of all internet and mobile networks until June 12, a travel advisory ordering outsiders to leave the region, and the deployment of federal paramilitary troops—have effectively sealed Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir, severely impeding the flow of information and reports of abuses. Journalists covering the protests, such as Sohrab Barkat, have been arrested under electronic crimes laws for allegedly “promoting” the JKJAAC.
The crackdown has turned lethal. On the night of June 5, activist Shahzeb Habib was shot during an encounter with police under circumstances that suggest no imminent threat to officers; he later died from his injuries. On June 7, following the transfer of his body for autopsy, clashes between protesters and law enforcement in Rawalakot resulted in the deaths of at least eight protesters and four police officers, with dozens more injured on both sides. On 8th and 9th June 2026, reportedly more than 25 people, including a woman have been killed by the Pakistani security forces.
The IHRF calls for:
1. An independent, transparent inquiry into the alleged extrajudicial killing of Shahzeb Habib and all unlawful deaths of protesters and police officers in Rawalakot, with those responsible held accountable in line with international human rights standards.
2. Immediate de-escalation and strict adherence to international principles on the use of force—only as a last resort, and with necessity and proportionality.
3. The immediate lifting of the unlawful ban on the JKJAAC and the restoration of internet and mobile networks, as well as freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
4. Urgent steps to facilitate peaceful assemblies ahead of the announced regional elections on July 27, 2026, in compliance with Pakistan’s international human rights obligations.
The International Human Rights Foundation remains deeply concerned by the recurring pattern of crackdowns on JKJAAC protests, including deadly violence in May 2024 and October 2025. Without prompt corrective action, the authorities risk further loss of life and a complete erosion of fundamental rights in the region.
Issued by the International Human Rights Foundation (IHRF)
June 9, 2026
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Are the #Hazara community are Punjabi?
Officials in Afghanistan say Pakistani attacks on homes and a university in Kunar province killed at least seven people and wounded dozens of others. Pakistan dismissed the reports as "propaganda".
There are reports that #Pakistan has attacked Kunar University in #Afghanistan, killing 4 and injuring 70. Pakistan has denied the reports. Unfortunately, Pakistan's denials have repeatedly proven to not be credible. Just a few weeksI ago, it attacked a hospital, killing around 400 civilians. Islamabad denied the attack. However, their responsibility was later confirmed by credible international observers. The same may prove true in this case. If the reports are correct, this barbaric attack deserves to be condemned in the strongest terms. It also makes a mockery of Pakistan’s attempt to position itself as a world-class peace maker and facilitator of negotiations between the US and #Iran. #USA @POTUS@SecState@UN #India #Kazakhstan #Uzbekistan #Turkmenistan #Tajikistan #Turkiye
میں نے خود اسرائیل کو فلسطین کے بچوں کو زندہ جلاتے ہوئے دیکھا ہے۔ ظلم کی انتہا کرنے والا اسرائیل اور امریکہ کسی کونظر کیوں نہیں آ رہے۔
سابق امریکی انٹیلجنٹس آفیسر کا اہم انکشاف
تداوم بستن تنگه هرمز توسط آمریکا فقط یک بحران نیست،بلکه یک فرصت ژئوپولیتیک تازه برای منطقه است.
افغانستان میتواند از یک کشور محاط به خشکه به یک چهارراه حیاتی انتقال انرژی تبدیل شود.
مسیر ایران، افغانستان و چین، از طریق واخان، یک بدیل استراتژیک برای انتقال نفت و کالا خواهد بود👇
🚨 Just hours after the world cautiously welcomed news of a US-Israeli ceasefire with #Iran, in #Lebanon the nightmare for civilians has become more terrifying. Today has been the deadliest day since the latest round of fighting began on 2 March with an intense barrage of air strikes carried out across south Lebanon, the Beqaa valley and in crowded civilian areas in central #Beirut – many without warning. Hospitals have put out calls for blood donations, overwhelmed by the number of injured arriving.
We reiterate the urgent need #Israel to uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure civilians are protected. Israel has an appalling track record of carrying out unlawful attacks in Lebanon and displaying a callous disregard for civilian life, fueled by the impunity Israeli officials feel they enjoy.
🔗 Read more: https://t.co/6pa4rbS8FL
Israel ruthlessly carpet bombed Lebanon today, killing at least 180 people and injuring more than 800.
How does the BBC report it?
“Israel says it hit more than 100 command centres and military sites in 10 minutes…”
This is how war crimes are laundered.