Report: Farhan Tariq
Three months have passed since the arrest of Sardar Awais—an activist-journalist from Bagh district and President of the Young Journalists Forum Bagh—amidst a crackdown by the administration in Pakistan-administered Kashmir against political activists and individuals associated with the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), an organization declared outlawed by the government.
Sardar Awais, who is also affiliated with the daily newspaper Shadab, was taken into custody by local police on June 21, 2026, while attending a school meeting regarding his children’s education.
According to sources, Sardar Awais has been produced before the district criminal court multiple times since his arrest; however, a complete copy of the FIR registered against him has not yet been made public.
Sources claim that Sardar Awais has been accused of alleged involvement in violent incidents that occurred at Chamyati, Dhirkot, during the JKJAAC’s long march in 2025. However, these allegations could not be independently verified.
Reports indicate that Sardar Awais has not yet been formally transferred to prison on judicial remand, although court documents and official records regarding this matter are not fully available.
According to sources, due to limited prisoner capacity at Bagh Jail—and the fact that the new jail building is still under construction—Sardar Awais and certain other detainees are being held at the Dhirkot police station, which is currently serving as a temporary sub-jail. Concerns are also being raised regarding the arrests and detentions of journalists and social media activists amidst the ongoing political tension in the region.
According to sources, several individuals have been detained in connection with various cases, and there are reports that the names of some journalists have been placed on the “Fourth Schedule.” However, comprehensive official details regarding these names and actions are not publicly available.
Journalists state that those covering political activities and protest movements are facing legal action, arrests, and criminal cases, which is increasing pressure on journalistic work.
Journalistic circles report that journalists are grappling with issues concerning legal protection, access to information, and freedom of expression while performing their professional duties.
The lack of full details regarding the cases and the ambiguity surrounding the legal basis for these detentions have also sparked concern within journalistic circles.
However, the government, police, and relevant authorities have yet to issue an official response regarding these allegations and claims.
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