Pakistan Rejects Amnesty International Report on AJK Protests as ‘Selective and Misleading’

Muzaffarabad – Pakistan has dismissed Amnesty International’s recent statement on the situation in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), terming it a one-sided assessment that overlooks violence against security personnel during the ongoing protests.

Amnesty International had alleged “excessive use of force” and criticized “communication blackouts” in the region. Pakistani officials, however, described the report as selective and misleading, saying it ignored key facts about the violent nature of the demonstrations.

Also see: Amnesty International Faces Allegations of Bias and Source Manipulation in Pakistan

Casualties and Property Damage Overlooked

Local authorities confirmed that three police officers were killed and several others injured, some critically, during clashes with demonstrators. Public properties, including schools, were also set ablaze. Some injured officers were airlifted to Islamabad for treatment.

Contrary to Amnesty’s remote verification, ground reports suggest that violence erupted when members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) clashed with a peace rally by the Muslim Conference opposing the JAAC-led shutter-down strike.

Mobility Disruptions and External Influence Allegations

Observers note that major entry routes and roads across AJK remain blocked by protesters, disrupting mobility and supply lines, contradicting Amnesty’s claim that movement restrictions were solely government-imposed.

Security sources have also hinted at potential external interference. A leaked memo reportedly links Awami Action Committee members with India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Additionally, the Baloch Yekjehti Committee (BYC), accused of ties with militant outfits, has voiced support for the protests, raising questions about their broader motives.

Criticism of Amnesty’s Approach

Analysts emphasize that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, incidents of arson, violence, and attacks on police undermine such movements and complicate the law enforcement response.

Amnesty’s statement has drawn criticism from political observers and civil society for omitting these crucial details. They argue that the organization’s partial narrative risks distorting the reality in AJK and fueling misinformation.

Also see: The Path of Dialogue and the Responsibilities of the Awami Action Committee Leadership

The protests, initially driven by economic grievances and electricity tariff disputes, have since escalated into widespread unrest, causing casualties on both sides.

Critics have also pointed to Amnesty International’s internal controversies. Following the 2018 suicides of veteran researcher Gaëtan Mootoo and intern Rosalind McGregor, an independent KonTerra review found the organization’s workplace culture to be “toxic,” with 39% of staff reporting health issues “as the direct result of working at Amnesty.”