Muzaffarabad [PoJK], September 29 (ANI): Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) has witnessed violent protests and a total shutdown, resulting in three deaths and more than a dozen injuries in clashes with security forces. The unrest erupted amid growing public anger over the government’s failure to address demands raised by the Joint Awami Action Committee.
The deceased was identified as Sadheer Awan, son of M. Sulman, from Neelum. Those injured in the firing include Mushtaaq Ahmed, son of Abdullah Khokher from Channri; Ibrar, son of Noor Hussain from Jalalabad; Aasher, son of Saleem; M Zulfiqaar; Bisharat; Islam Allah; Ahmed; Anees Ur Rehman; Nadeem Abbasi; Mushtaq Ahmed; M Ali; Anwaiz; M Adeel; Nadeem Khan; Noor Hussain; Dilawer; and Abdul Shaqoor.
Shaukat Nawaz Mir, president of the JK Action Committee, accused state institutions of targeting protesters. Speaking from Muzaffarabad, he said, “At this moment, the state has come to kill the people. The institutions of the state, the government of the state, the administration of the state, the goons, the terrorists, we have the evidence. The police is with us.” He further alleged, “People are being killed in the state. And our Pakistani media is spreading false news. Sir, everything is happening here.”
Shutdowns and rallies spread across Mirpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad, where large crowds united to demand their rights. Protesters accused authorities of ignoring calls for justice, marking one of the most intense waves of public anger in recent years.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) unit in PoJK amplified protests online, accusing the Anwar-led government of “incompetence and repression” as unrest spread across multiple regions. PTI posted on X: “Sara Mirpur has taken to the streets against her rights and this incompetent Anwar government.” The party also accused state-backed violence, stating, “The video of the thugs of the Muslim (Criminal) Conference opening direct fire on peaceful protesters under state patronage has come to light, resulting in four people being seriously injured.”
Widespread demonstrations were reported in Plandri, which PTI linked to broader discontent. “The people of Plandri are up in arms in protest for the provision of basic rights and against this incompetent Anwar government,” PTI stated. Unrest also spread to Dadyal, where PTI accused authorities of creating humanitarian hardships. “The Dadyal administration has blocked the Plak Bridge, causing severe difficulties for patients and citizens travelling abroad. It should be noted that during the lockdown in the state, it was announced that roads would remain open for patients and those travelling to foreign countries. Still, this incompetent Anwar government administration has increased the difficulties for patients,” PTI said.
PTI reiterated allegations against the Muslim Conference, stating: “Firing by the thugs of the Muslim (Criminal) Conference on unarmed and peaceful public under state patronage. As a result, four individuals were severely injured.” Protests also reached Bhimber, described by PTI as Prime Minister Anwar Haq’s own constituency, with demonstrators raising slogans against the government.
In Dadyal, protests intensified further, with thousands reportedly staging a sit-in to demand their rights. The unrest in PoJK mirrors earlier disturbances in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where opposition leaders from PTI alleged Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets carried out bombings in the Tirah Valley, reportedly killing many and leaving at least 20 bodies recovered from the rubble.
About The Author
