The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on 9 November 2026 demanded that Pakistani authorities immediately halt firing, drone strikes, and all intimidatory actions targeting civilians in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), as violence in the Rawalakot region escalated sharply. The call came after Pakistani security forces reportedly opened fire and carried out drone strikes on peaceful protesters, killing several people — including women and children — and leaving dozens critically injured.

What JAAC Said

Expressing grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Rawalakot and surrounding areas, the JAAC issued a pointed statement: 'Peaceful participants in the sit-in are not enemies; they are our own people. Firing on civilians, intimidating communities through aerial means, and any unnecessary use of force must cease immediately.'

The Committee demanded that the bodies of those killed be returned to their families without delay, accompanied by formal condolences and appropriate support. It also called for immediate, non-discriminatory medical care for all injured individuals, and the full restoration of mobile, internet, and other essential communications across PoK.

Calls for Independent Investigation

The JAAC further urged that all deaths, injuries, arrests, and allegations of unlawful force be examined through an 'independent, impartial, transparent and time-bound investigation,' with its procedure, jurisdiction, evidence-preservation arrangements, and publication deadline defined in writing in advance. The Committee was explicit: 'No allegation should be presented as established fact without verifiable evidence.'

Separately, citing reports of a drone attack targeting a civilian residence in Rawalakot, the JAAC posted on X that 'the reported use of explosive drones against civilian homes raises extremely serious concerns about the safety of residents and violations of international human rights law,' and called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to urgently seek answers from the authorities.

UKPNP Details Casualties

The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) also strongly condemned what it described as indiscriminate firing, excessive force, and alleged drone attacks on peaceful protesters and residential areas. According to the UKPNP, one woman and one man were reportedly killed near the Bus Terminal, Mutialmara, Rawalakot. The group further alleged that Umar Farooq Chowk came under heavy attack involving machine gun fire, drones, and mortar shelling.

The UKPNP additionally reported that drones were allegedly used to drop explosive devices in civilian-populated areas, and that two more people — reportedly including a 10-year-old girl — were killed, with several others sustaining critical injuries.

International Accountability Demanded

The UKPNP called for an independent UN investigation into the reported killings and human rights abuses, and urged the establishment of an impartial international fact-finding mission. This is not the first time allegations of Pakistani security force violence against PoK civilians have drawn international attention, but the reported use of aerial drones against residential areas marks a significant escalation in the nature of the alleged crackdown.

As of the time of this report, Pakistani authorities had not issued a public response to the specific allegations. All casualty figures and accounts of drone use remain attributed to JAAC and UKPNP statements and have not been independently verified.