Why are rights groups criticizing Pakistan over unrest in POK?

New Delhi: Amnesty International and 22 other international civil society organizations have condemned the sentencing of two Pakistani human rights lawyers, raising fresh concerns over Pakistan’s treatment of dissent. The sentencing comes amid months of unrest in POK, where protesters have accused security forces of using deadly force.

In a joint statement issued on Friday, the organizations criticized the sentencing of the lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha. They received 10-year prison terms under antiterrorism legislation and three-year sentences under the Pakistan Penal Code. The case relates to an October 2024 incident in which they allegedly removed security barriers in Islamabad during the England cricket team’s visit.

The organizations questioned the fairness of the trial and alleged that the case was part of a wider campaign against human rights defenders. The lawyers had also faced a separate case over social media posts critical of Pakistan’s military. Pakistan’s Supreme Court suspended their earlier sentences in September, but they were arrested in another case before being granted bail on November 3.

The developments come as reports of violence rise in POK. On Thursday, Pakistani security forces launched an operation against protest sites in Rawalakot, where thousands had been staging a sit-in, according to reports. Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Corps personnel took part, supported by local police.

Reports said at least seven civilians were killed and 23 injured in the first two hours of the operation. Protesters also alleged drone attacks on residential areas and civilian homes, and accused security forces of targeting civilians.

In a YouTube video, the political activist Amjad Ayub Mirza also accused Pakistani forces of continuing a violent crackdown. In a statement marking five months of the movement on November 5, he said more than 910 people had been injured since June. This figure could not be independently verified.

Why are people protesting in POK?

The protests are led by the Jammu & Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has been demanding political representation, economic relief, civil rights and implementation of its 38-point charter of demands.

The agitation began on June 5 with sit-ins and a call for a long march to Muzaffarabad. Security forces intercepted the march, setting off clashes with protesters. The movement later spread to other places, including Rawalakot.

The JAAC says the protests stem from grievances over the economic situation, the political system and the distribution of resources. It describes itself as a civilian campaign for the rights of the people. Pakistani authorities have accused its supporters of violence and assaulting security officers, and declared the committee illegal under antiterrorism law in June.

In July, clashes between police and JAAC supporters killed nine people, Reuters reported. Thursday’s operation has prompted fresh reports of casualties and drone attacks.

Mirza also accused the authorities of enforced disappearances and said thousands of people who had been detained were unaccounted for. He named JAAC member Shaukat Nawaz Mir, who, he said, was arrested on June 30.

Restrictions on communication in some areas of POK have made it hard to confirm reports from the region.

The JAAC continues to mobilize support, while reports of casualties and enforced disappearances have drawn criticism from rights groups.