At least 20 civilians were killed and over 50 injured in the past 24 hours in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir (PoK) as Pakistani security forces launched a violent crackdown on residents boycotting the ongoing elections. The situation, centred in Rawalakot’s Dreik Eighth area, has escalated sharply, with eyewitnesses and local activists describing scenes of extreme brutality.
According to local sources, among those killed was Usman Nazir, brother of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) spokesperson Umar Nazir Kashmiri, who had been urging residents to reject the polls. Videos circulating from the region show bodies lying on roads, injured civilians crying for help, and security forces firing on crowds.
Social media activist Aqeel Bhai said Rawalakot was “filled with dead bodies and wounded people,” pleading for international intervention. He added that he narrowly escaped being shot, calling the situation “a massacre unfolding in silence.”
Since protests began on June 5, reports indicate that over 80 people have been killed by Pakistani forces. The demonstrations were driven by anger over rising electricity prices, wheat shortages, governance failures, and allegations of corruption.
As elections began, Islamabad deployed more than 14,000 armed personnel, including snipers, across PoK. According to an IANS report, security forces were allegedly ordered to open fire on anyone attempting to boycott the polls. Long‑range tear gas shells and live ammunition were used to disperse crowds, deepening fears of state‑sanctioned violence.
Human rights groups warn that the situation is deteriorating rapidly, with communication restrictions and heavy militarisation preventing accurate casualty assessments. Calls for international monitoring are growing as locals say the crackdown is the worst seen in years.