The Asian People’s Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD) condemns state violence against the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and the growing crackdown on those expressing solidarity with their struggle across Pakistan. As the protest movement entered its 56th day, thousands of people rallied in Islamabad in support of the people of AJK, while peaceful solidarity protesters in Lahore were met with a crackdown and arrests. At the same time, security forces once again opened fire on demonstrators in Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad, killing at least two more protesters and injuring many others. According to the Joint Awami Action Committee and local sources, more than 87 civilians have reportedly been killed since the protests began in early June. Fresh crackdowns and arrests continue across AJK, even as thousands of people remain on the streets demanding justice and accountability.
Since early June, people across AJK have mobilized under the banner of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC). The latest phase of the movement was triggered by opposition to the constitutional arrangement, upheld by the courts, that reserves 12 seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly for refugees living elsewhere in Pakistan. Protesters argue that this arrangement weakens the political representation of AJK residents by allowing decisions affecting the territory to be influenced by people who do not live there. As the movement has grown, it has come to embody wider concerns about democratic accountability, governance and the shrinking space for political dissent.
The crackdown has also spread beyond Azad Jammu and Kashmir itself. Peaceful solidarity demonstrations in Lahore were met with arrests, including that of APMDD leader Farooq Tariq. Although those detained were later released, the arrests represent a dangerous expansion of the crackdown beyond AJK.
APMDD calls on the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to immediately end the use of force against peaceful protesters, release all those detained and lift restrictions that prevent people from organizing peacefully. We further urge the authorities to engage in dialogue with representatives of the movement and address the concerns raised by the people of AJK. All reported deaths, injuries and allegations of unlawful use of force must be independently investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable.
The struggle unfolding in Azad Jammu and Kashmir is not an isolated one. Across Asia, communities are resisting policies and institutions that deny them control over their political futures. From movements against debt and austerity to struggles for land, people are demanding a genuine voice in the decisions that shape their lives. The movement in AJK, and the solidarity it has inspired across Pakistan, is part of this wider struggle for justice, democracy and people’s rights.
We call on democratic movements, trade unions, people’s organizations, human rights defenders and civil society networks across Asia and beyond to raise their voices against this repression and stand with the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, as well as with all those who have faced intimidation or arrest for expressing solidarity with them.
APMDD stands firmly with the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and with everyone defending democratic rights across Pakistan.