'Long history of unlawful violence': Global watchdogs condemn Pak's crackdown in PoK

As Pakistan-occupied Kashmir goes through its so-called assembly polls, reports of brutality, violence and unrest continue to surface, with global human rights and press freedom watchdogs raising alarm over an escalating crackdown on protesters and the media.International organisations, including Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have flagged allegations of state-backed violence, restrictions on independent reporting, enforced disappearances of journalists and prolonged internet shutdowns. They have urged Pakistani authorities to end the crackdown, restore communication services and ensure transparent investigations into alleged human rights violations.Highlighting reports of excessive force used against demonstrators in Rawalakot, Amnesty International said the incidents reflected Pakistan's long record of using unlawful violence against protesters."The disturbing reports emerging from Rawalakot are consistent with the Pakistani authorities' long history of unlawful violence against protesters. A prompt, independent, and transparent investigation must be ordered into the security forces' use of force against protesters.