New York, June 10 -- Amnesty International has strongly condemned Pakistan's sweeping crackdown on protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), accusing authorities of using excessive force, suppressing dissent, and violating fundamental human rights ahead of upcoming regional elections.

Amnesty criticised the decision to designate the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) as a "proscribed organisation" under anti-terrorism legislation.

Amnesty described the move as unlawful and disproportionate, arguing that it represents a serious attack on freedom of association and peaceful political activism.

The crackdown intensified after negotiations between the JKJAAC and authorities reportedly collapsed over the c...