The death toll from clashes between local protestors and Pakistani forces in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has reached 12, as reported on Wednesday. The violence erupted in Rawalakot, where Pakistani security forces allegedly fired on civilians amid anti-government protests.
In response to the unrest, Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faced criticism from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for their handling of the situation in PoK. Additionally, two law enforcers lost their lives in separate clashes on the same day.
The escalating tensions in PoK have led to the deployment of over 4,000 Rangers and a media blackout in the region. Thousands gathered in Rawalakot, with Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leader Sardar Amman Khan denouncing Pakistan’s occupation of the territory and calling for international attention to the issue.
The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) strongly condemned the civilian deaths in PoK and called for an independent international investigation into the reported killings and human rights violations. The party urged Pakistan to cease excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on civilians in the region.
