Human rights groups have condemned the military deployment and internet restrictions, demanding independent inquiries and the restoration of telecommunication services.
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Isabelle Lassée, regional director for South Asia at Amnesty International, said, "The disturbing reports emerging from Rawalakot are consistent with the Pakistani authorities' long history of unlawful violence against protesters in Jammu and Kashmir.
A prompt, independent, and transparent investigation must be ordered into the security forces' use of force against protesters."
Lassée urged authorities to lift media restrictions and restore connectivity to allow verification of casualties.
"So long as an internet and mobile services blackout remains in place, it will severely impede the independent verification of the full extent of the situation on the ground," she said.
"We urge the Pakistani authorities to restore all communications access and allow media and independent observers into the area."
Local residents have disputed official characterizations of the protests.
Sardar Aman Khan Kashmiri, a resident of Rawalakot, said, "If there are terrorists here, let Pakistan's media and the international media come and see for themselves."
He noted that demonstrations have persisted for nearly two months and urged external observers to evaluate the situation directly.
Another resident, who previously created online travel media, described shifting focus to documenting the unrest.
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Local civil rights group representatives affirmed that demonstrations will continue until government commitments on economic rights and governance reforms are formally fulfilled.
