The death toll from violent clashes between local protesters and Pakistani security forces in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has climbed to 12, according to multiple reports emerging on Wednesday, 16 July 2025. The killings occurred after security forces reportedly opened fire on demonstrators in Rawalakot on Tuesday, as anti-government protests — now entering their sixth consecutive week — show no signs of abating.

Political Fallout in Islamabad

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari publicly questioned the 'role' of Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the crisis, describing the situation in PoK since last month as 'very concerning.' The rare public rebuke from a coalition partner signals deepening political fractures within Pakistan's ruling establishment over the handling of the unrest.

Leading Pakistani daily Dawn reported that at least two law enforcement personnel also lost their lives in separate clashes on Tuesday. Pakistani media further reported that over 4,000 Rangers have been deployed across the occupied territory, and that a media blackout remains in force.

Mass Rally and JAAC's Defiant Stand

Thousands converged on Rawalakot on Tuesday for a rally addressed by Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leader Sardar Amman Khan, who accused Pakistan of 'forcibly occupying' the region and rejected Islamabad's longstanding narrative. Khan urged demonstrators to refer to PoK as an 'occupied territory' rather than a 'disputed territory.' 'It is forcibly occupied,' he stated. He vowed the movement would continue until 'victory' is achieved, even if protesters had to lay down their lives.

The gathering echoed with sustained slogans against Pakistani authorities. This is the largest single mobilisation reported since the protests erupted roughly six weeks ago.

International Body Demands Probe

The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) on Wednesday strongly condemned the killings and called for 'an independent international investigation into the reported killings, excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and the continuing restrictions affecting civilians.'

The UKPNP urged Pakistani authorities to immediately halt the use of lethal force, release all detainees before competent courts, restore access to food, medicine, and healthcare, lift communication restrictions, and guarantee freedom of movement. It also appealed to the United Nations, the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the broader international community to deploy an independent fact-finding mission to the region and monitor the human rights situation on the ground.

Broader Context and What Comes Next

The ongoing unrest represents one of the most sustained direct challenges to Islamabad's decades-long control over PoK. Pakistani forces stand accused of a severe crackdown under conditions of strict curfew and a near-total communications blackout — conditions that have made independent verification difficult. Notably, the deployment of over 4,000 Rangers and the media blackout suggest Islamabad is treating the protests as a security threat rather than a political one.

With Bilawal's public criticism adding internal pressure and international bodies demanding accountability, the coming days will test whether Pakistan's government opts for dialogue or further force — and whether the international community moves beyond statements.