Twenty Reportedly Killed In Pakistan Forces' Crackdown Across PoK

At least 20 people were reportedly killed and more than 50 injured in the past 24 hours during a crackdown by Pakistani security forces on protesters boycotting elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK), according to local sources and media reports. The violence was reported in the Dreik Eighth area of Rawalakot, where demonstrators opposing the ongoing legislative elections allegedly came under fire. The reported casualties include Usman Nazir, the brother of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) spokesperson Umar Nazir Kashmiri.

According to sources, the latest fatalities have raised the reported death toll since protests began on June 5 to around 80. Videos circulating on social media and cited in media reports purportedly show bodies lying on roads after security forces dispersed crowds. Reuters has not independently verified the reported casualty figures or the authenticity of the videos, and there has been no immediate official confirmation from Pakistani authorities regarding the reported deaths.

The protests have been led primarily by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), which has called for a boycott of the elections being conducted in the region. Protesters accuse the authorities of suppressing dissent, while reports claim that more than 14,000 security personnel have been deployed across Pakistan-administered Kashmir during the election process. Local reports have also alleged the use of live ammunition, long-range tear gas shells and sniper deployments to control demonstrations, though these claims have not been independently verified.

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Social media influencer Aqeel Bhai, speaking in a video shared online, appealed for international attention, claiming that Rawalakot was overwhelmed with casualties and wounded protesters. He urged global media and human rights organisations to support the people of the region, describing the demonstrations as peaceful. The videos and statements have circulated widely online, but their authenticity and the claims made in them remain unverified by independent agencies.

The legislative elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir are being conducted in three phases through August 10 for 45 directly elected seats in the 53-member assembly, with the remaining seats reserved for women, technocrats and clerics. Polling in the Mirpur division was held on July 27, while voting in the Muzaffarabad division and refugee constituencies is scheduled for August 2, followed by polling in the Poonch division on August 10. Reports have also alleged internet shutdowns and disruptions to mobile, electricity and water services in parts of the region amid the ongoing unrest, although officials have not publicly responded to those allegations.

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