Rawalakot protest shooting kills at least five, wounds dozens in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir

Pakistani security forces opened fire on a peaceful protest in Rawalakot, the Pakistani‑administered part of Jammu and Kashmir, on Monday. The demonstrators, gathered under the banner of the Joint Awaami Action Committee (JAAC), were preparing to march toward Muzaffarabad after negotiations with authorities broke down. The indiscriminate firing left at least five people dead on the spot and more than 30 injured, with several victims in critical condition.

The incident occurred amid a 52‑day period of sustained demonstrations demanding the release of detained activists, withdrawal of false cases, and restoration of economic and social rights. The violence coincided with the first phase of voting in 13 constituencies of the Mirpur division, disrupting election campaigning and prompting concerns over electoral integrity. In response, the administration postponed the assembly elections scheduled for Sudhnati and Rawalakot districts until August 10.