At least 12 civilians have been killed as Pakistani security forces opened fire on protesters in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), which is witnessing one of its largest unrest episodes in recent years. The protests, initially triggered by the government’s failure to meet 38 key demands, have escalated into a broader agitation against alleged excesses by the military, bringing normal life to a standstill.
Violence spreads across POK
The unrest, entering its third day on Thursday, saw violent clashes between protesters and army personnel in Dadyal. Thousands of additional troops were deployed by the government to control the situation. The violence, initially concentrated in Muzaffarabad, has now spread to Rawalakot, Neelum Valley, and Kotli.
Reports indicate that five protesters were killed in Muzaffarabad, five in Dheerkot, and two in Dadyal. Additionally, at least three police personnel lost their lives, while over 200 people have sustained injuries, many of them critically, mostly from gunshot wounds.
The protests, spearheaded by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (AAC), have led to the closure of markets, shops, and local businesses. Mobile, internet, and landline services have been completely shut down in the affected areas since September 29.
Core demands of the protesters
At the heart of the agitation is the demand for the abolition of 12 assembly seats in POK that are reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. Other demands include tax relief, subsidies on flour and electricity, and the completion of stalled development projects.
Visuals circulating on social media show thousands of protesters hurling stones and toppling large shipping containers placed on bridges to block their marches in Muzaffarabad. Despite a strict security clampdown, demonstrators in other towns took out marches, chanting slogans such as “Rulers, beware, we are your doom” and “Kashmir is ours, we will decide its fate.” These slogans mark a rare instance of direct public dissent against both the Pakistani government and the military in POK.
Government response and international attention
In response to the escalating crisis, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that a negotiation committee had been formed to address the protesters’ issues and seek a peaceful resolution. While appealing for calm, Sharif, who is currently in London, instructed security forces to exercise restraint and patience in handling the demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Nasir Aziz Khan, spokesperson of the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP), called for urgent intervention by the United Nations and the international community. Speaking at the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Khan warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in POK and reminded member states of their obligations under international treaties.
Humanitarian impact
Thousands of residents in POK are facing shortages of essential supplies amid the unrest. Markets remain closed, and many are struggling to access food, water, and medical care. The ongoing clashes have left communities traumatized, with fears of further violence lingering as the situation remains tense across the region.
The POK protests highlight long-standing grievances of the local population against political and military authorities. As authorities work to restore order, both domestic and international observers are monitoring the situation closely for potential escalations.