Pakistani Security Forces Kill Dozens in PoJK Protests

The Government of Pakistan launched a violent crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in June 2026, resulting in a death toll that varies by source from 20 to over 200 civilians. Demonstrators, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), demanded local autonomy, economic relief for rising food and electricity costs, and the abolition of reserved refugee seats in the regional Legislative Assembly. In response, authorities outlawed the JAAC on June 5 and deployed up to 20,000 security personnel.

Violence peaked at the Eidgah ground in Rawalakot, where the Military of Pakistan allegedly used AK-47 rifles to fire into a crowd of up to 70,000 unarmed people, killing 16 and injuring 37. Further clashes erupted in Muzaffarabad's Dera Eidgah area between residents and Pakistani Rangers. These events triggered regional strikes and protests in villages like Khai Gala.

Amnesty International and the Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir condemned the crackdown as a violation of fundamental human rights. International pressure mounted as British MP Bob Blackman and 30 other lawmakers urged the UK Foreign Secretary to demand answers from the Pakistani high commissioner. In India, leaders from various political parties, including Farooq Abdullah and Sanjay Nirupam, condemned the atrocities and appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Council to investigate. Many Indian representatives characterized the region as an integral part of India, arguing that the population should be reunited with Jammu and Kashmir to ensure their safety.