An international human rights organisation has called on Pakistan to release journalist and human rights defender Ahmad Farhad, alleging he is being targeted for his reporting in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Ireland-based human rights organisation Front Line Defenders has called on the Pakistani authorities to immediately release journalist and human rights defender Ahmad Farhad and withdraw all charges against him, alleging that he is being targeted for his reporting and human rights work in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The organisation also condemned what it described as continuing repression in PoK, saying the detention of Farhad was part of a wider pattern of action against individuals who speak out against authorities and seek accountability for alleged human rights violations.
According to Front Line Defenders, journalists such as Farhad are particularly vulnerable because they challenge what the organisation described as state-sponsored misinformation and independently report developments from the ground.
The rights group said Pakistani police detained Farhad on June 20 in Bagh city of PoK while he was returning home after covering a protest organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Rawalakot.
It alleged that Farhad has since been held at the Bagh city police station without legal grounds or a formal arrest warrant.
Front Line Defenders said Farhad has reported extensively on social justice issues, alleged human rights violations and the suppression of peaceful movements seeking rights and justice in PoK.
“He has faced violent reprisals as a result of his work, including an abduction which later turned into an arrest in 2024, as well as criminalisation and stigmatisation by state authorities,” the organisation said.
The rights body stated that Farhad had recently used his media platform to cover the JAAC protest movement in PoK, which it alleged had been met with “a disproportionate use of force and repression” by Pakistani authorities.
It further claimed that thousands of protesters were reportedly arrested under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, which it said permits preventive detention with limited judicial review.
Expressing concern over Farhad’s safety in custody, particularly in light of what it described as his previous experience of enforced disappearance, Front Line Defenders alleged that Pakistan has a record of suppressing peaceful dissent.
“Pakistan has a record of systemic repression against any form of dissent, including those that peacefully advocate for justice and rights. In addition, internet blackouts and restrictions on movements in the region have prevented independent reporting and information flow on the extent of the violations,” the organisation said.
Front Line Defenders called on the Pakistani authorities to release Farhad immediately and withdraw all charges against him, while urging them to ensure that journalists and human rights defenders are able to carry out their work without fear of intimidation or reprisals.
UK parliamentarians voice concern over rights situation in PoK
Several British parliamentarians have voiced concern over the worsening human rights situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), citing reports of civilian casualties, arbitrary arrests, communication restrictions and a continuing security crackdown in the region.
Speaking in the British Parliament, Conservative MP Bob Blackman said Pakistani security forces had reportedly opened fire on peaceful demonstrators in PoK, resulting in deaths and injuries, including among British nationals.
“In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Pakistani security forces have fired on peaceful demonstrators standing for human rights and for the rights to food and for proper security in their area. More than 30 people were killed and more than 200 injured, including British nationals. So what action has the Secretary of State taken to actually call in the Pakistani High Commissioner and say, not only is this unacceptable, what action is being taken to protect innocent bystanders?” Blackman said.
He asked the British government whether it had summoned Pakistan’s High Commissioner to discuss the reported violence and what measures had been taken to protect civilians.
During the parliamentary debate, Labour MP Imran Hussain also expressed concern over what he described as “continued bloodshed, arbitrary arrests, restrictions on communication, and a breakdown in dialogue with representatives of grassroots groups” in PoK.
Hussain said reports suggesting restrictions on the movement of food and medical supplies into parts of the region were deeply concerning.
“Groups such as the Joint Awami Action Committee have for many months sought to pursue peaceful negotiations around long-standing civic governance and economic concerns. There was a commitment that those issues would be resolved through dialogue. Criminalising grassroots movements can never be a solution,” he said.
Highlighting what he described as the deteriorating situation in PoK, Hussain urged the British government to make direct representations to Pakistan’s Prime Minister and the authorities in PoK.
“The lockdown and communications blackout must end. Any restrictions affecting the movement of food and medical supplies must end. Those acting as peaceful mediators must be allowed immediate access. Meaningful table talks with grassroots groups must resume immediately,” he stated.
He also stressed that the human rights of people in PoK should remain central to any efforts aimed at resolving the situation.
“Our government must play their role for the 1 million British Kashmiris impacted by this situation. They must continue to use every appropriate diplomatic channel to encourage restraint, de-escalation, and dialogue,” Hussain added.
The remarks came amid reports of continued unrest in PoK, where demonstrations over civic and economic issues have been followed by allegations of security action, arrests and restrictions on movement and communications.
