Pakistan accused of Killing Unarmed Protesters in Kashmir

Deadly shootings in Rawalakot, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, have increased tensions during ongoing legislative elections after weeks of protests over disputed assembly seats.

Violence broke out on July 28, 2026, when clashes were reported between protesters and security forces in the region.

Pakistani security services allegedly fired on tens of thousands of peaceful protesters, killing at least 30 people.

The incident has drawn attention to growing political tensions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where demonstrations have continued for weeks.

The protests were reportedly organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a coalition demanding political reforms before the elections.

JAAC has been campaigning against 12 reserved legislative assembly seats linked to refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir who now live elsewhere in Pakistan.

The group argues that these seats allow people outside the region to influence political decisions affecting residents.

Protesters say the current system weakens democratic representation and have called for changes before the elections continue.

However, the issue remains politically sensitive, with authorities arguing that the reserved seats are protected under existing constitutional arrangements.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir’s Supreme Court previously ruled that the seats cannot be removed without constitutional amendments.

The disagreement over the seats has become a major issue during the election period, contributing to wider unrest across the region.

Following the Rawalakot violence, Pakistani authorities said security personnel came under attack during the clashes.

Officials alleged that armed individuals were involved in the violence and said action was taken to maintain order.

Protest organisers rejected the allegations and accused security forces of using excessive force against demonstrators.

Human rights groups have called for an independent investigation into the shootings to establish what happened and identify those responsible.

The unrest has raised concerns over the conduct of the elections, which are taking place in phases across Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Officials have said voting will continue despite the violence, while additional security measures have been introduced in affected areas.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir, also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir, has a separate political system from Pakistan but remains linked to the wider Kashmir dispute.

Both Pakistan and India claim Kashmir in full, while administering different parts of the territory.

The latest violence has highlighted long-standing debates around political representation, governance and autonomy in the disputed region.

As election proceedings continue, calls for calm and accountability are increasing among residents, political groups and rights organisations.