Two killed, 22 injured in violent protests against Pakistan government in PoK

NDTV, quoting sources, said that armed thugs backed by the Pakistan Army and the ISI-supported Muslim Conference opened fire on civilians demanding basic rights.

Videos shared by Pakistani news channels showed chaotic scenes in Muzaffarabad.

In one clip, men fired guns into the air as crowds of slogan-chanting protesters climbed onto cars. Another video showed a demonstrator holding a handful of spent bullets, underlining the intensity of the clashes.

The protests, led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), have paralysed life in PoK over the past 24 hours with a complete shutdown of markets, businesses, and transport services.

Demonstrators have listed 38 demands, including the abolition of 12 Assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, which they argue undermines local representation.

“Our campaign is for fundamental rights denied to our people for over 70 years... either deliver on rights or face the wrath of the people,” AAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir declared, warning the Shehbaz Sharif government that Monday’s strike was only “Plan A”. He hinted at a more severe “Plan D” if demands were ignored.

Islamabad has responded with a heavy security crackdown.

According to Dawn, heavily-armed troops conducted flag marches through PoK towns, while sources confirmed an additional 1,000 soldiers were rushed from Islamabad, with more pulled in from neighbouring Punjab. Internet access in the region has also been restricted.

The unrest comes just days after 30 civilians were killed in Pakistan Air Force strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Chinese-made JF-17 jets dropped LS-6 precision-guided bombs on a village, triggering widespread outrage.

The deaths compounded anger among locals already grappling with rising militant activity in the province, where groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed have reportedly set up new bases following India’s Operation Sindoor.