12 Killed As Pakistani Forces Fire On POK Protesters Opposing Kashmiri Refugee Assembly Seats, Military Excesses

Pakistani security forces opened fire on protesters in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), leaving at least 12 civilians dead in one of the region’s largest unrest in recent years, India Today reported.

Initially sparked by the government’s failure to address 38 pending demands, the demonstrations have grown into a wider movement opposing military excesses in POK.

Now in its third day, the unrest has seen heavy force with security personnel firing live rounds and tear gas to disperse crowds.

According to reports, five protesters were shot dead in Muzaffarabad, five in Dheerkot, and two in Dadyal. At least three police personnel have also been killed.

More than 200 protesters have been injured critically—many with gunshot wounds—while thousands of additional troops have been deployed from Punjab and Islamabad to contain the agitation.

Led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (AAC), the agitation has paralysed daily life.

A core demand of the movement is the abolition of 12 legislative seats in PoK reserved for Kashmiri refugees based in Pakistan.

Since 29 September, markets and businesses have remained closed, while communication services—including mobile, internet, and landlines—have been entirely suspended.

Meanwhile, Nasir Aziz Khan, spokesperson of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), has urged the United Nations and global community to step in urgently.

Addressing the 60th UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Khan cautioned about an impending humanitarian crisis in POK and reminded member states of their obligations under international law.

The developments come after Pakistan Air Force airstrikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa last week killed 30 civilians, deepening concerns about state-led violence.

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