- A mother mourns her only son who was shot while standing up for justice during protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
- Deadly protests have erupted in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with reports indicating that children as young as 15 are being targeted by security forces.
- At least 50 fatalities have been reported in just one week amid ongoing protests in the region, which is home to approximately 4.5 million people.
- Protests are driven by demands for basic rights, including affordable flour, electricity, and healthcare, amidst rising inflation and power cuts.
- Security forces have been accused of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, leading to widespread unrest.
- Local Imams in Muzaffarabad are calling for unity among Kashmiris against the perceived injustices by Pakistani forces.
Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have turned deadly, with over 100 fatalities reported in recent clashes between security forces and demonstrators from the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).6
In just one week, at least 50 people have died in a region of approximately 4.5 million residents, where ongoing elections are also taking place.
Dr. Anwar, a local physician, noted that most casualties are young individuals aged 15-16 and 32-35, stating, "I have seen very few patients over the age of 40."
Protesters are demanding basic rights, including affordable flour and electricity, amidst rising inflation and power shortages.
Asma, a grieving mother, shared her heartbreak after losing her only son, who believed in fighting for justice. "We were only asking for our rights. We are not terrorists," she lamented.
Salman, another resident, expressed pride in his brother's sacrifice for the people's rights, stating, "He was not fighting or attacking anyone."
The local government claims the JAAC is armed and disrupting elections, while protesters assert they are peaceful.
Ayub, a former soldier, criticized the PoK government for calling in paramilitary forces, stating, "In my opinion, it is extreme injustice."
With the internet cut and roads blocked, information is scarce, but the BBC has reported on the dire conditions, including food shortages and the lack of medical facilities for the injured.
Security experts warn that Islamabad is concerned about the protests, as the situation in PoK spirals out of control, shifting the narrative of unrest.
“Over 100 people have been killed in the last two months and at least 50 in the past week in JAAC-led protests over electricity prices, flour shortages and health care. A Rawalakot clinic has treated 50–60 critically injured patients since 27 July, and JAAC says an October agreement was not implemented.”
