At least seven people, including children, were killed and 18 others seriously injured on Thursday, 5 November 2026, after Pakistani security forces allegedly opened fire and deployed drones against peaceful protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP). The group described the crackdown as a grave human rights violation demanding immediate international scrutiny.

What Happened in Rawalakot

According to the UKPNP, Pakistani security forces targeted peaceful protest sit-ins at Matialmera Bus Terminal, Umar Farooq Chowk, and other locations in Rawalakot during the early hours of Thursday. The group alleged that forces deployed heavy machine guns, armoured vehicles, and drones against unarmed civilians.

Three of the deceased were identified by name: Atif Jardees, 35; Ehtisham Younis, 30; and Adil Rashid, 32. The UKPNP also raised alarm over unverified reports that four children may have been killed in an alleged drone strike. 'A house belonging to Shakeel Khan near Matialmera Bus Terminal was reportedly destroyed by fire following an alleged drone attack. Disturbing reports also say that four children may have died in the incident. These claims require urgent independent verification, and further casualties are feared,' the group stated.

UKPNP Calls for International Intervention

The UKPNP strongly condemned what it described as indiscriminate firing and excessive use of force against civilians. 'The Kashmiri people are peacefully demanding fundamental rights, essential public services, protection of property, human dignity and the rule of law. Their legitimate demands must not be answered with bullets, intimidation or collective punishment,' the organisation said.

The group called on the United Nations, the European Union, and the broader international community to urgently address the deteriorating situation in Rawalakot and other affected areas in PoK. It further demanded that independent investigators examine the reported killings, injuries, alleged drone attacks, and destruction of homes.

UN Special Rapporteurs Had Already Raised Concerns

Thursday's violence comes against a backdrop of mounting international concern over Pakistan's conduct in PoK. Recently, six UN Special Rapporteurs on human rights wrote to the Pakistani government raising serious concerns over Islamabad's designation of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) as a terrorist organisation.

In their letter, the UN experts said they were 'concerned that the designation may not be consistent with international standards concerning terrorist listings, and that JAAC may have been unjustifiably listed in retaliation for its political, labour and human rights advocacy, in violation of international human rights law.' They also flagged alleged excessive use of force during demonstrations, unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, and communications restrictions in the region.

Context and What Comes Next

The protests in PoK have persisted over demands for fundamental rights, public services, and legal protections — grievances that the UKPNP says have been met with escalating state violence rather than dialogue. The alleged use of drones against civilian residential areas, if independently verified, would mark a significant and troubling escalation in the security forces' tactics.

The international community's response — particularly from the UN Human Rights Council and the EU — will be closely watched in the days ahead, as will any independent confirmation of the reported child casualties and the drone attack on Shakeel Khan's home.