The Human Rights Council of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (HRC-AJK) has questioned the legal basis of placing journalist and researcher Danish Irshad on the pakistan terror watchlist following his extensive coverage of recent civil protests in the region. The rights body expressed deep concern over reports that the writer has been placed under the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), a move they describe as a direct assault on press freedom and independent journalism.
On 23 August 2024, the rights organisation issued a statement calling on the government to clarify the charges against Irshad. The journalist has been actively documenting the socio-economic grievances of the people of Azad Kashmir, particularly during the massive public demonstrations against rising electricity tariffs and inflation earlier this year.
Here are the key facts surrounding the case:
- Targeted Journalist: Danish Irshad, an independent researcher, author, and reporter who has documented political and social movements in Azad Kashmir.
- State Action: Reportedly added to the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), which serves as the official pakistan terror watchlist.
- Date of Protest: The rights group raised formal objections on 23 August 2024.
- The Core Issue: Critics argue that anti-terrorism laws are being weaponised to silence independent reporting on public grievances in AJK.
The Human Rights Council Raises Alarm
The HRC-AJK has strongly criticised the decision, stating that journalism should never be equated with terrorism. According to local rights advocates, Irshad's work has been purely professional, focusing on the grassroots issues affecting ordinary citizens in Azad Kashmir. By placing him on the pakistan terror watchlist, the authorities have sent a chilling message to other media professionals working in the region.
The council pointed out that using anti-terror legislation against writers and researchers undermines the democratic fabric of the country. They have demanded that the Ministry of Interior and local administration immediately present the evidence that justifies putting a peaceful researcher on a list meant for active threats to national security.
Understanding the Pakistan Terror Watchlist and the Fourth Schedule
To understand the gravity of this situation, one must look at what being placed on the Fourth Schedule actually means. The Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, is a high-security watch list managed by provincial home departments and the federal government.
When a person is placed on this list, they face severe legal and personal restrictions:
- Restricted Movement: They cannot leave their local police station's jurisdiction without written permission from the police chief.
- Financial Freeze: Their bank accounts are frozen, and they are barred from obtaining loans or financial services.
- Surveillance: They are subjected to regular police check-ins and constant state monitoring.
- Document Cancellation: Their passport is typically blocked, preventing any international travel.
For a working journalist, these restrictions make professional survival virtually impossible. It prevents them from travelling to cover stories, blocks their sources of income, and labels them as security threats in their own communities.
The Context of the AJK Protests
The move against Danish Irshad comes in the wake of intense public demonstrations in Azad Kashmir over the past year. Led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the region saw massive protests demanding cheaper electricity, wheat subsidies, and administrative reforms.
Irshad was among the few independent voices who consistently documented the ground reality of these protests, the state’s high-handed response, and the demands of the local population. Observers believe his inclusion on the pakistan terror watchlist is directly linked to his refusal to toe the official line during these turbulent months.
What You Can Do if Press Freedom is Threatened
If you are a media professional or a civil society activist in Pakistan facing state pressure, there are established legal and institutional routes to seek protection:
- File a Writ Petition: The inclusion of an individual on the Fourth Schedule can be challenged in the High Court through a constitutional writ petition. Courts have previously removed names when the state failed to provide concrete evidence of militant links.
- Engage Press Unions: Reach out to the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and local press clubs. Collective advocacy often forces authorities to review arbitrary decisions.
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all professional work, published articles, and any official communications to prove that your activities are strictly journalistic.
What to Watch Next
The federal government and the AJK administration have yet to release an official response to the concerns raised by the HRC-AJK. In the coming weeks, watch whether the High Court takes up any petition filed on behalf of Danish Irshad.
Furthermore, the reaction of international press watchdogs, such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), will be crucial. If pressure mounts, the government may be forced to review the list and remove names that do not meet the legal threshold of a security threat.