Pakistan - June 2026

On 5 June, authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a popular grassroots civil society coalition, which was not contesting the regional election. Authorities used anti-terrorism legislation to enact the ban, ahead of voting  beginning on 27 July. Authorities also suspended internet and mobile services, sealed the movement’s office and reportedly arrested more than 100 JAAC activists. During clashes on 7 June, at least eight protesters and four police officers were killed and dozens injured. Amnesty International called the ban disproportionate and unlawful, while the UN Human Rights Office said criminalizing the movement raised serious concerns for freedom of expression, assembly and association. Moreover, communication restrictions disrupted campaigning, while JAAC urged its supporters to  boycott the election.

Update: Between June and late July, at least 40 people, including 34 protesters and six security personnel, had reportedly been killed. Despite the violence, boycott and continuing communications restrictions, the regional election proceeded in three phases from 27 July to 10 August

Sources: Amnesty International, OHCHR, Al Jazeera, BBC News, HRCP