Violent confrontations between security forces and civil rights demonstrators have escalated across Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with clashes reported through July 31, 2026.
The unrest is driven by protests over electoral reforms, political rights, and economic grievances, and has triggered a communications blackout across the region.
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The demonstrations, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), initially erupted in June 2026.
The primary trigger was the allocation of 12 reserved parliamentary seats for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir, which protesters argue destabilizes local governance and gives central authorities excessive political control.
Casualties and Allegations
Security forces encountered thousands of demonstrators in Rawalakot and Mirpur as crowds attempted to march toward the regional capital, Muzaffarabad.
Local hospital officials confirmed at least two deaths from gunshot wounds in Mirpur, while civil society organizations allege a higher death toll and accuse security forces of using excessive force.
SA Khan, spokesperson for JAAC, said, "Security forces have taken away the dead bodies and locked away the hospital in Mirpur.
We have the photos and video evidence of dead bodies lying on streets in a pool of blood.
The security forces abducted the dead bodies to erase the evidence."
Khan also responded to accusations by Information Minister Atta Tarar, who alleged that the protest movement receives financial support and direction from India.
Khan dismissed the claim, saying, "It is nothing new: people asking for political or economic rights are termed India-sponsored or anti-state in Pakistan, same goes in India."
