Protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Turn Violent

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) witnessed violent clashes as thousands of civilians protested against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government, citing corruption, human rights violations, rising food and power prices, and lack of political representation.

Incident Details

• Protests: Led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), stone-pelting demonstrations spread across multiple regions of PoK.

• Violence: Pakistani forces reportedly opened fire on protesters. Videos on social media show civilians displaying bullet shells allegedly fired by security personnel.

• Casualties: At least one protester killed and 15 others injured, with reports of four more people injured earlier during the clashes.

• Perpetrators: Attacks were allegedly carried out by Pakistan Army- and ISI-backed Muslim Conference cadres targeting AAC members.

Cause of Protests

Residents demanded:

• End to corruption and elite privileges.

• Control over rising food and power prices.

• Political representation and equal treatment under Pakistani governance.