Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir protests kill 12, spark wider unrest

A wave of protests erupted in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir (PoK) after the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) was declared a terrorist organisation. Demonstrators demanding political and economic rights gathered in Rawalakot and other districts, while Pakistani security forces—including the army, Rangers and Punjab Police—responded with live ammunition, tear gas and pellet guns.

Clashes in Rawalakot on June 5 left at least 12 people dead, including eight protesters and four security personnel, and injured more than 20 officers. Earlier, the PoK administration announced a PKR 10 million bounty for the arrest of protest leaders. Internet services were suspended across the region, further isolating residents. The unrest has spread to Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Tata Pani and Plandari, drawing concern from the Kashmiri diaspora and international observers.

Authorities have heightened security measures ahead of a planned long‑march on June 9, warning that the situation could deepen if the protests continue.