Islamabad, July 29: As unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continues to escalate, a human rights documentation and monitoring body has called on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to intervene following reports of lethal firing by Pakistani forces on peaceful protestors in the occupied territory that left over 40 civilians dead and dozens injured.

In its urgent appeal to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, the PoK-based group Jammu Kashmir Human Rights Observatory (JKHRO) stated that the killings occurred after the peaceful Long March organised by Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) resumed from Rawalakot towards Muzaffarabad on July 27.

Citing JAAC, it said that large numbers of civilians participated in the march, estimating that the wider mobilisation may have involved more than 100,000 people.

“The combination of a mass civilian gathering, reported security-force deployment, alleged indiscriminate firing, restricted communications, limited media access and obstructed emergency coordination creates an immediate risk of further casualties. This is no longer a situation that can be addressed through statements of concern alone,” the JKHRO stated.

The group called on the UN human rights chief to intervene immediately by publicly calling for an end to the firing by Pakistani forces, seeking assurances that live ammunition would not be used against peaceful protesters, and ensuring emergency medical and humanitarian access in PoK.

It also appealed for the urgent deployment of relevant Special Rapporteurs or an OHCHR assessment mission, while urging the facilitation of credible negotiations to prevent further loss of life in the occupied territory.

Highlighting the humanitarian abuses by Pakistani authorities in PoK, the JKHRO said, “The international community has advance warning. The gathering is large. Security forces are reportedly deployed. Communications remain restricted. Fatal force has allegedly already been used. Initial accounts refer to more than 80 wounded, while other witnesses allege more; there is not yet a reliable final injury figure.”

“The essential question is no longer whether there is a risk of escalation. The essential question is whether the United Nations system will act quickly enough to help prevent the next death,” it added.

Earlier on July 17, the OHCHR raised serious concerns about infringements on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association in PoK amid escalating unrest in the occupied territory that has left dozens of people dead and injured.

In a statement issued, Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Jeremy Laurence, said that “the criminalisation of a civil society organisation and imposition of strict limitations on gatherings raise serious concerns about infringements on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. Detained JAAC leaders must have access to legal representation and their families. Their rights to due process and fair trial must be fully guaranteed.”

Washington, July 29: US and Saudi Arabian forces carried out precision airstrikes against Iran-aligned groups in eastern Iraq on Tuesday (local time) after more than 30 drone attacks targeted American troops and Saudi energy infrastructure, the US Central Command said.

US and Saudi fighter aircraft struck several logistics and weapons sites used by the groups, according to CENTCOM. It described the operation as a response to aerial attacks conducted over the previous 72 hours under the direction of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“The unwarranted attacks against U.S. forces were not successful,” CENTCOM said.

The command did not identify the groups targeted or disclose the locations of the strikes beyond saying they occurred across eastern Iraq. It also provided no information about casualties or the extent of damage caused by the operation.

CENTCOM said Iran-aligned militias in Iraq had attempted more than 600 attacks against US citizens and facilities between February and April 2026.

“The IRGC and its terrorist proxies must cease these attacks to avoid further U.S. military response,” it said.

The joint strikes came on a day of heightened military activity across the Middle East. CENTCOM said the IRGC launched several ballistic missiles from Iran at 5.45 p.m. Eastern Time in what it described as an attempted surprise attack on US forces stationed in the region.

“All Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted,” the command said. “U.S. forces remain vigilant and at a high state of readiness.”

CENTCOM did not say how many missiles were fired, where they were intercepted or which US bases appeared to have been targeted. It also did not identify the defence systems used to stop them.

The command separately said more than 20 US Navy warships were operating across the Middle East in support of military missions. Those operations included what it called strict enforcement of America’s “steel wall blockade” against Iran.

As of July 28, CENTCOM said it had redirected 18 commercial vessels, disabled two and boarded another two to enforce compliance. It did not identify the ships, their owners, their cargo or the waters in which the encounters took place.

New Delhi, July 28: There has been a major crackdown on groups calling for a boycott of the elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The Pakistani security forces have primarily targeted the Awami Action Committee (AAC), which has been spearheading the campaign to boycott the ongoing polls, which began on Monday, in the region.

Violence was reported in Rawalakot’s Dreik Eighth area where security forces targeted the protesters. As of now, the security forces have reportedly killed 20 people who were boycotting the elections.

Indian intelligence agencies have learnt of a massive security build-up across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as the election process began on Monday. Snipers have been deployed at several locations, while the security forces have been accused of using live ammunition and long-range tear gas shells to disperse protesters.

Officials say that the security forces have been ordered to open fire on those boycotting the elections. The establishment wants to clearly silence dissent in the region, which has been witnessing protests for several weeks now.

Field Marshal Asim Munir had recently held meetings with the security forces and directed them to use force if the protests do not subside.

Another official said that the protests were being carried out in a peaceful manner. However, the Pakistan government wants to portray these persons as anti-nationals and ordered the security forces to open fire on them, citing national security, the official also said.

In addition to using brute force against the people of PoK, the establishment has also suspended internet and mobile services in the region. Electricity and water supply have also been cut in several parts of the region.

The AAC has urged journalists and international organisations to raise these issues and circulate their message widely, apparently to build pressure on the Pakistani authorities to stop the atrocities.

As many as 13 seats are up for grabs in the multi-phase legislative assembly elections in PoK. The boycott call has been immensely successful so far, and the same would be witnessed in the remaining phases of the elections as well.

The boycott calls came in the wake of the establishment not listening to the grievances of the PoK people. They feel that no matter which party is elected, Islamabad would ensure that the region remains underdeveloped.

Further, the people are aware that the Pakistani military will rig the elections and put up a party of its choice to govern PoK. Officials say that despite the crackdown, the protesters remain relentless in their pursuit.

“There are no signs of the protests dying down,” officials say.

The people of the region feel they have come this far despite all the might and force being used against them all these days. Hence, it would be futile to give up their protest at this stage, the official also added.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that the situation is very tense, especially in Rawalakot. Thousands are protesting, and there is no sign of peace returning any time soon. All eyes are on Rawalakot as the protesters are present there in large numbers.

“Even the brutalities are highest at this place, and estimates suggest that apart from the death of 20 people, over 250 have been injured in firing by the security forces,” the official added.

This brutal crackdown has led to the Opposition in Pakistan condemning these incidents.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, chief of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), condemned the firing by the security forces and accused the establishment of failing to address the problems of the people.

He said that the people had every right to protest and added that residents of PoK know this election has been rigged. He urged the establishment to stop the oppression of the people and added that his party firmly stands with the people of PoK.