PoK erupts as police open fire on protesters amid massive anti-Pakistan rallies - key points

Published 5 July 2026 · world

According to the JAAC, nearly 40,000 people, including women, children and elderly residents, gathered at the Sardar Ghulam Hussain Khan Sports Stadium Thousands gather despite

According to the JAAC, nearly 40,000 people, including women, children and elderly residents, gathered at the Sardar Ghulam Hussain Khan Sports Stadium Thousands gather despite security clampdown JAAC alleges use of force against protesters Aman Khan calls for support Call for half a million demonstrators Mass protests swept across Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday after the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) called for demonstrations against what it described as a widening crackdown by Pakistani authorities. The protests were triggered by the arrest of senior JAAC leaders, including core committee member Shaukat Nawaz Mir, with the group demanding their immediate release.Despite heightened security measures, thousands of people gathered in several towns across the region. The JAAC said the protests were aimed at demanding fundamental rights and opposing what it called growing political repression. Demonstrations also spread overseas, with members of the Kashmiri diaspora staging rallies in countries including New Zealand.The developments mark a sharp escalation in the weeks-long agitation led by the civil rights group, which has accused the Pakistani administration of suppressing peaceful dissent.

The latest demonstrations come amid reports of mass arrests, increased surveillance and calls for a boycott of local elections due later this month.According to the JAAC, nearly 40,000 people, including women, children and elderly residents, gathered at the Sardar Ghulam Hussain Khan Sports Stadium in Abbaspur.Similar rallies and sit-ins were reported from several other parts of PoK, with large groups continuing to arrive at a protest site in Dera Ismail Khan.The committee said women from Rawalakot and Chak were also leading peaceful street demonstrations, describing the movement as one that now spans different age groups and communities.The committee alleged that Pakistani security forces opened fire and shelled a civilian gathering at Dudial's AMB area, leaving several protesters seriously injured.It also accused authorities of arresting hundreds of activists following the detention of Shaukat Nawaz Mir. In a post on X, the JAAC wrote, "Ghulam is under their control. Shah is in captivity...", urging people to join the campaign under the hashtag ReleaseShoukatNawazMir.Videos circulating on social media showed JAAC core member Sardar Aman Khan appealing for support, claiming residents were facing shortages of essential supplies."To those in Mendhar, Poonch, Rajouri, Doda...