The United States has called for restraint from officials in Pakistan amid unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). A spokesperson from the US State Department emphasised the need for local authorities to respect the fundamental freedoms of the residents in the region during a recent statement. This call comes in light of ongoing reports detailing human rights violations that have escalated in severity over the past months.

In response to inquiries regarding the prolonged crackdown in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the spokesperson highlighted the importance of providing conditions conducive for free and fair elections. They urged authorities to ensure that the electoral process could be conducted peacefully and with access to information.

Protests and Restrictions in the Region

The situation in PoJK has been described as increasingly tense, with security forces reportedly killing dozens of protesters since June 2026. The crackdown has included an internet blackout and substantial restrictions on access for foreign media. This has led to widespread protests not only in PoJK but also in other Pakistani cities, such as Karachi, where Kashmiri communities have demonstrated their dissent.

Monitoring organisations have raised alarms over various incidents, including the enforced disappearances of journalists covering the situation and stringent restrictions on foreign media outlets. These organisations are calling for a cessation of the ongoing crackdown and for transparent investigations into the reported human rights abuses taking place in the region.

Amnesty International has also expressed concern regarding the use of force against demonstrators, notably in the town of Rawalakot. The organisation has demanded an immediate external inquiry into these incidents to ensure accountability and justice for the affected civilians.

International and Regional Responses to the Crisis

The response from the Indian government has been direct, with officials criticising Pakistan over the continuing violence against civilians in PoJK. At a press briefing held on Tuesday, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, stated that the situation has resulted in the deaths of at least ninety civilians since June. He labelled the local elections in the region as a “complete farce” that does not reflect the realities faced by the populace.

Jaiswal urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for its actions against civilians, emphasising that the elections being conducted are merely a façade that distracts from the real issues of public protests and violence perpetrated by Pakistani forces.

The ongoing situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir continues to draw international scrutiny, with various organisations and nations watching closely as events unfold. The US’s call for restraint and the subsequent responses from both Pakistan and India highlight the complex dynamics at play in the region.

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