Protests continue in PoJK over brutal crackdown by Pak forces on peaceful protestors

By  News On Air   Jul 30, 2026

Protests continued in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) today following a brutal crackdown by Pakistani forces on peaceful demonstrations earlier this week leading to death of over 40 people. Clashes between peaceful protesters and security forces have intensified since Monday, particularly in Rawalkot and Mirpur, which have reported the highest number of casualties.

In a statement issued, Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Jeremy Laurence, said that the criminalisation of a civil society organisation and imposition of strict limitations on gatherings in POJK raise serious concerns about infringements on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. 

The tensions coincide with so called ongoing regional elections in the occupied territory, with demonstrators determined to march towards Muzaffarabad to press Islamabad to accept their demands. 

India has described the elections as an attempt by Pakistan to camouflage its illegal occupation and hide its grave human rights violations in the region.