Islamabad/POK: Thousands of residents in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) have taken to the streets to protest against the Pakistani administration, accusing it of mismanaging local resources and failing to address inflation and unemployment. Demonstrators have voiced strong opposition to both the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the military under Chief Asim Munir.
The protests, organized under the Joint Awami Action Committee, involved large crowds chanting slogans against the authorities. Security forces, including the army and police, deployed in significant numbers, reportedly opened fire in some areas. Previous demonstrations in Rawalkot also highlighted persistent public discontent with governance and military oversight in the region.
#BREAKING: Massive protests & violence in Kotli of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Innocent common people targeted. Pakistani forces used firing against protesting civilians. Thousands on the roads. Tourists asked not to visit Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Journalists banned. pic.twitter.com/1YFlffnepC
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) September 27, 2025
Several individuals have been reported injured, although exact casualty figures remain unconfirmed. In response, the Pakistan government has restricted entry to journalists and tourists, while deploying approximately 2,000 police personnel and 167 Frontier Corps platoons to control the situation. Authorities have also advised against travel to POK amid escalating unrest.