Pakistani Kashmir faces shutdown as protests leave more than 20 dead

Pakistan-administered Kashmir is experiencing its deadliest unrest in years, with a territory-wide shutdown paralyzing daily life. At least 24 people have died in nearly two weeks of protests, primarily driven by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a group recently banned by authorities.

The confrontation highlights a sensitive challenge for Islamabad, which is now facing local anger in a territory under its control, a situation often criticized when occurring in Indian-administered Kashmir. The unrest ignited ahead of a June 9 strike called by the JAAC to protest the allocation of 12 seats in the upcoming July 27 legislative assembly elections to refugees displaced from Indian-administered Kashmir.

“

Since June 9, I have not ​earned a single rupee.

Government officials, speaking anonymously, reported that at least 20 civilians were killed and dozens wounded between June 6 and June 14. The regional police chief stated that four officers died and 97 were injured in clashes, with 515 people detained. Thousands of JAAC supporters are currently camped outside Rawalakot, prompting the government to block main roads, restrict internet access, and limit media presence.

The economic impact is severe. In Muzaffarabad's commercial district, day laborers like Ikhlaq Ahmed, 27, have not earned any income since June 9. The usually bustling area is now largely silent, with only medical stores and some grocers operating limited hours. Bank notices cite internet suspensions for ATM and banking closures, and petrol stations are also shut by official order. Motorcycle taxi driver Asif Naz described the situation as unbearable for blue-collar workers.

“

Those with resources may sustain it, but for blue-collar workers like us, ​it is self-slaughter.