PoK (File photo)
The press freedom watchdog also expressed concern over the reported disappearance of independent journalist Razi Tahir and his colleague Muhammad Saif, who were allegedly taken by men in police uniforms from their office in Islamabad on August 1. “CPJ is deeply concerned by reports that independent journalist Razi Tahir and his colleague Muhammad Saif have been missing since August 1. “Journalists Razi Tahir and Muhmmad Saif remain missing after reportedly being taken by men in police uniform on August 1. Kashmiri journalist Raja Ikram, who was reportedly detained in Islamabad on August 1, was later released,” it added. According to figures released by the Human Rights Council of Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (HRC-PoJK) as of Sunday, at least 80 people have died, including 33 civilians before July 27, 43 people killed since July 27 across Rawalakot, Mirpur and Muzaffarabad, and four Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir police personnel.
As Pakistan-occupied Kashmir goes through its so-called assembly polls, reports of brutality, violence and unrest continue to surface, with global human rights and press freedom watchdogs raising alarm over an escalating crackdown on protesters and the media. International organisations, including Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have flagged allegations of state-backed violence, restrictions on independent reporting, enforced disappearances of journalists and prolonged internet shutdowns. They have urged Pakistani authorities to end the crackdown, restore communication services and ensure transparent investigations into alleged human rights violations. They were reportedly taken by men in police uniforms from their office in Islamabad, and their whereabouts remain unknown. Pakistani authorities must acknowledge whether they are in state custody, ensure due process, and immediately release them if they are being arbitrarily detained,” it wrote. Pakistani authorities must acknowledge their detention if they are in state custody, ensure due process, and immediately release them. The criticism comes as casualties continue to mount during the ongoing protest movement.
Echoing similar concerns, CPJ said it was monitoring the deteriorating press freedom situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, citing internet blackouts, telecommunications shutdowns, reporting restrictions and the detention and disappearance of journalists. “The disturbing reports emerging from Rawalakot are consistent with the Pakistani authorities’ long history of unlawful violence against protesters. A prompt, independent, and transparent investigation must be ordered into the security forces’ use of force against protesters.