UN urges probe into deaths in Pakistani-administered Kashmir unrest

The United Nations human rights chief has appealed to Pakistan to conduct independent investigations into civilian and security force deaths resulting from unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. At least 31 people have been killed in clashes since June, occurring amid regional election preparations scheduled for late July. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, an umbrella organisation of traders and activists, has been central to the unrest.

The movement originated as a protest against rising food prices and utility tariffs but has evolved into a dispute over legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees. The JAAC demands abolition of these reserved seats, arguing they enable non-residents to influence local political outcomes. Pakistan's classification of the JAAC as a proscribed terrorist organisation under domestic anti-terrorism legislation has drawn international concern. UN officials warned that utilising counter-terrorism mechanisms to criminalise peaceful assembly and enforce internet blackouts raises severe freedom of association concerns.

The crisis escalated dramatically on July 14 in the Poonch division, where security forces attempted to clear roadblocks ahead of a planned JAAC march to Muzaffarabad. The confrontation resulted in nine deaths, comprising seven civil activists and two law enforcement officers. Poonch Divisional Commissioner Waheed Khan defended the security response, stating that protesters had blocked a security convoy and attacked officials, prompting self-defence measures. India's Ministry of External Affairs characterised the unrest as a consequence of Pakistan's systemic regional exploitation. UN High Commissioner Volker Turk has called for immediate calm and meaningful political dialogue to address underlying grievances regarding regional autonomy and inflation, rather than security-focused responses.