The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Tuesday called for an impartial and independent investigation into reports of deaths and injuries during clashes between law enforcement personnel and protesters in Rawalakot during the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative elections held a day earlier in Mirpur division. "HRCP is deeply alarmed by reports that several people have lost their lives and many others have been injured in clashes between law enforcement personnel and protesters in Rawalakot on the day of the first phase of the AJK legislative elections," the HRCP said in a statement on X. The statement came after reports of multiple deaths and injuries emerged on social media.
Several videos circulating online showed scenes of unrest, with claims of violence and casualties, though the details could not be independently verified. Both security forces and the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) claimed the loss of lives on both sides. AJK Prime Minister Faisal Rathore also pointed towards the loss of lives, saying "blood of innocent Kashmiris" was spilt as he blamed the JAAC for the escalation.
The HRCP said that the reported deaths in Rawalakot were a "stark reminder of the human cost of the tensions that have gripped AJK in recent weeks". It said that while the authorities had a duty to maintain public order, "this must never come at the expense of the right to life or the freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression". It added: "We call for an immediate end to this cycle of violence and a prompt, impartial and independent investigation into the reported deaths and injuries, and for anyone responsible for unlawful use of force to be held to account." The HRCP urged the authorities to exercise restraint in responding to protests.
"As the remaining phases of the elections approach, the focus must shift from confrontation to protecting lives and restoring public confidence." HRCP is deeply alarmed by reports that several people have lost their lives and many others been injured in clashes between law enforcement personnel and protesters in Rawalakot on the day of the first phase of the AJK legislative elections. The reported deaths in Rawalakot are a… — Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) July 28, 2026 The opposition coalition Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) also condemned the violence, saying that "…
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