Pakistani security forces have killed more than 50 people and injured hundreds over four days of violent crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to local civil society groups and international rights organisations. The escalating unrest has drawn sharp condemnation from the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) and prompted an emergency briefing at the United Nations in New York.

What Protesters and Rights Groups Are Saying

Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) member Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri said on social media platform X on Saturday: 'In the past 4 days, the forces have killed more than 50 of our people through brutal terrorism, and hundreds are injured…' A separate JAAC post confirmed that late-night demonstrations continued across the Muzaffarabad region, with residents remaining on the streets demanding protection of fundamental rights and implementation of commitments made by local authorities.

The US-based Human Rights Foundation strongly condemned what it described as the use of force against unarmed peaceful protesters. Citing a local civil society group, the HRF said Pakistani security forces opened fire on thousands of demonstrators. The organisation further alleged that 'protest organisers claimed that Pakistani officials removed bodies from hospitals and detained activists in an apparent attempt to conceal evidence.'

Internet Blackout and Media Restrictions

The HRF warned that 'the crackdown has been accompanied by an internet blackout and severe restrictions on media access, making independent reporting nearly impossible.' The communications shutdown has severely limited the ability to independently verify casualty figures and ground conditions. This pattern — force followed by an information blackout — mirrors tactics documented in earlier episodes of civil unrest in the region.

The HRF called on Pakistani authorities to end the violent crackdown, restore mobile communications, and ensure accountability for all unlawful use of force.

UN Briefing by UKPNP Delegation

A delegation of the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP), led by its Chairman Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, held a series of meetings at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to brief UN officials on the situation. The delegation expressed grave concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in PoK and urged the UN, the international community, governments, human rights organisations, and democratic institutions 'to take prompt and effective action to prevent further loss of life and protect fundamental human rights' in the region.

The UKPNP delegation also called on Pakistani authorities to exercise maximum restraint, immediately cease the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters, unconditionally return the bodies of all civilians killed to their families, disclose the whereabouts of those subjected to enforced disappearance or unacknowledged detention, and release those 'unlawfully' detained.

What Happens Next

As of 1 August, the unrest in PoK shows no signs of abating, with protests reportedly continuing through the night in Muzaffarabad. International pressure is mounting, but Pakistani authorities have not publicly responded to the specific demands raised at the UN or by the HRF. Independent verification of the death toll remains difficult given the ongoing media blackout. Rights groups and the UKPNP have signalled they will continue to pursue accountability through international forums.