Geneva, November 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Six UN Special Rapporteurs on human rights have raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s designation of the Jammu Azad Action Committee (JAAC) as a terrorist organisation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), citing alleged state violence, unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests and other human rights violations.
In a letter to the Pakistani government, the experts questioned the designation and the reported use of counter-terrorism measures against JAAC and its associates. They said the listing may have been imposed in retaliation for the organisation’s political, labour and human rights advocacy, potentially violating international human rights law.
The experts noted that Pakistan designated JAAC a proscribed organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act on June 5, 2026. The move came amid tensions over the group’s demand to abolish 12 legislative assembly seats reserved for refugees, after its campaign was rejected by Pakistan’s Supreme Court.
According to the letter, peaceful protests erupted across PoK following the designation. Security forces allegedly used tear gas, batons and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators. The experts said at least 96 protesters and six police and paramilitary personnel have been killed since protests began in June 2026. Many of the protesters killed were reportedly aged between 15 and 35.
The letter also cited at least 70 arrests, including JAAC members, supporters and journalists, along with restrictions on internet and mobile services, curfews, hospital shutdowns and alleged denial of medical care to injured protesters. Families were reportedly made to sign documents describing victims as terrorists before their bodies were released.
The experts further said that 205 people, including women, had been placed on the Fourth Schedule of Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act. Their identity documents were reportedly cancelled or suspended, while bank accounts and passports were frozen, restricting their access to essential services, including medical care.
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