Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been rocked by violent unrest after clashes between protesters and security forces left at least 11 people dead and more than 70 injured. The violence erupted in Rawalakot ahead of a planned region-wide protest called by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society alliance that has been at the forefront of political and economic rights campaigns in the region.
The immediate trigger for the protests was the controversy surrounding 12 reserved seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly for Kashmiri refugees residing in other parts of Pakistan. Protesters argue that these seats give undue political influence to non-residents and undermine local representation. A recent court ruling upholding the constitutional protection of these seats further intensified public anger.
According to officials, the clashes began when security forces attempted to disperse demonstrators. Authorities claim that some protesters used firearms and petrol bombs, while JAAC leaders accused the government of carrying out a brutal crackdown on peaceful activists. The confrontation resulted in multiple fatalities, including police personnel, civilians, and protesters.
In response to the unrest, the regional government banned the JAAC under anti-terrorism laws, arrested dozens of supporters, suspended internet services in several areas, and deployed additional security forces. The measures have drawn criticism from human rights groups, which have expressed concern over restrictions on civil liberties and the use of force against demonstrators.
The crisis has also attracted international attention. India condemned the violence and called on the global community to take note of the situation, while observers warned that the unrest reflects deeper grievances related to governance, political representation, economic conditions, and regional autonomy in PoK.
With tensions remaining high and protests continuing despite restrictions, the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmirb remains volatile, raising concerns about further instability in the disputed Himalayan region.