Save Rawalakot From Further Bloodshed: HRCP Urges Authorities to Choose Dialogue Over Force Before More Lives Are Lost

Save Rawalakot From Further Bloodshed: HRCP Urges Authorities to Choose Dialogue Over Force Before More Lives Are Lost RAWALAKOT, AZAD JAMMU & KASHMIR (AWAZ NEWS) As tensions grip Rawalakot and fears of further violence grow, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has issued an urgent appeal to the federal and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) governments to prioritise human lives, exercise restraint and resolve the ongoing crisis through meaningful political dialogue rather than the use of force. In a statement shared on social media platform X, the country's leading human rights organisation expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Rawalakot, warning that continued confrontation could lead to further unrest and tragic consequences. “Human Lives Must Come First” HRCP The commission stressed that the protection of human life must remain the foremost responsibility of the authorities, calling for immediate steps to prevent further escalation. Referring to concerns raised during its fact-finding mission to AJK in early August, HRCP reiterated that both the federal and AJK governments must act urgently to address citizens' grievances through constructive engagement. “The priority must be to prevent any loss of life and resolve the situation through political dialogue rather than by force,” the commission stated. Months of Protests and Growing Public Frustration The latest tensions follow months of demonstrations across Azad Jammu and Kashmir over rising inflation, increasing electricity tariffs, unemployment and the lack of essential public services. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) launched its protest movement in early June, seeking relief from economic hardships and improvements in basic facilities. The movement had planned a long march towards Muzaffarabad on June 9. However, following a series of violent incidents, the AJK government declared the organisation proscribed on June 5. Several committee leaders were subsequently detained, while some members publicly announced their disassociation from the organisation. ### Security Operations Intensify Tensions in Rawalakot According to state television, law enforcement agencies conducted an early-morning operation on Thursday to remove protesters from Rawalakot's bus terminal, where sit-ins had continued for several months. A similar clearance operation was reportedly carried out in the Kothian area of Bagh district on Wednesday, bringing another prolonged protest to an end. Following the Rawalakot operation, the local administration imposed Section 144, prohibiting gatherings of five or more people, public meetings, rallies, processions and demonstrations. These developments have heightened concerns about the possibility of further confrontation between protesters and security personnel. HRCP Demands Unrestricted Media Access Alongside its appeal for peaceful dialogue, HRCP called for journalists and independent media organisations to be granted unhindered access to Rawalakot and surrounding areas. The commission emphasised that independent reporting is essential to ensuring transparency, documenting developments accurately and keeping the public informed during periods of heightened tension. A Critical Moment for Peace in Kashmir With Rawalakot facing a deeply sensitive situation, HRCP's appeal serves as a reminder that political disagreements and public grievances must not be allowed to escalate into further loss of life. The commission has urged the authorities to move away from confrontation and pursue a peaceful, inclusive and meaningful dialogue that addresses the concerns of citizens while protecting fundamental rights. At a time when families fear for the safety of their loved ones, the message from Pakistan's leading human rights watchdog is clear: No political dispute should be allowed to cost another human life.** The immediate challenge for the authorities is to restore confidence, prevent further violence and create conditions in which lasting peace can be achieved through dialogue rather than force. AWAZ NEWS | Awaz With Amer Khan www.awaznews.live