Muzaffarabad, July 28 -- Amnesty International on Tuesday called for an independent and transparent investigation into reports of the use of lethal force against protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) by Pakistani forces while urging Pakistani authorities to restore communication services and allow media and independent observers access to the region.

In a statement, Amnesty International's Acting Regional Director for South Asia, Isabelle Lassee, reacted to the security forces using lethal force against protesters in Rawalakot during the first day of the regional election.

"The disturbing reports emerging from Rawalakot are consistent with the Pakistani authorities' long history of unlawful violence against protesters...