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.

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.