Pak puts journalist covering POK protests on terror list. Who's he? What did he do?

Pakistan has added journalist Danish Irshad to its terrorism watchlist without charging him or providing specific allegations against him. Irshad, who has covered the ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) for nearly a decade, was placed on the Fourth Schedule of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Home Department’s list on July 29. This measure restricts his ability to travel, conduct financial transactions, and engage publicly without a formal trial or legal basis. The protests in POK, which have drawn international attention, are led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The group was banned by the Pakistani government on June 5, following a surge in demonstrations demanding greater political representation, economic support, and governance reforms. Among these demands is the removal of 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. Despite government crackdowns, including internet blackouts and arrests, the protests have persisted into late August. According to the JAAC, more than 80 civilians have been killed by Pakistani security forces during the unrest. Irshad, based in Rawalpini, began his journalistic career in Islamabad in 2015. Over the years, he has focused on the political dynamics of POK and Gilgit-Baltistan, both of which are considered part of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir by India, though they remain under Pakistani control. His work includes writing for the Kashmir Times, a Jammu-based publication, and contributing to discussions on regional issues through broadcasts and publications. In addition to his journalism, Irshad authored a book detailing the historical context of the region since 1947. A BBC Urdu journalist based in Pakistan, Roohan Ahmed, noted on social media that Irshad is “a professional journalist and a researcher who has always stood with those needing the voice.” Ahmed expressed concern that the move seemed aimed at silencing a critical voice within the community. The official notice placing Irshad on the watchlist does not specify any particular actions or offenses attributed to him. Instead, it cites Section 16(1) of the AJK Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014, and labels him as an activist linked to the JK-JAAC. While the government had previously outlawed the JAAC due to its role in organizing the protests, the notice fails to clarify how Irshad personally contributed to the alleged activities. This lack of specificity has raised questions among journalists and activists. Many argue that designating someone as a terrorist without evidence undermines the rule of law and threatens free speech. Danish Irshad himself responded to the situation, stating, “How did a journalist’s speaking and writing become an act of terrorism? Declaring anyone guilty without trial can never be justified.” Political parties such as the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaat (PTI) have condemned the action, calling it an example of authoritarian tactics by the ruling elite. The PTI referred to the move as “the fascism of the Pakistani hybrid regime,” highlighting concerns over the erosion of civil liberties and press freedom. As the situation unfolds, observers will be watching closely to see whether there will be further attempts to suppress dissent in POK or whether pressure will mount for transparency and accountability in the treatment of journalists and activists. For now, Irshad remains under scrutiny, with his future uncertain as the conflict continues to evolve.