Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has descended into its most severe civil crisis in years, with at least 20 civilian deaths and hundreds of injuries reported between 6 and 14 June, following a brutal crackdown on protesters backed by the now-banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Daily life across the region has ground to a halt as authorities impose sweeping restrictions, including internet blackouts, road blockades, and a near-total media clampdown.

How the Unrest Unfolded

The crisis was triggered ahead of a 9 June strike organised by the JAAC, which had called for action against the reservation of 12 seats in the upcoming 27 July regional polls. What began as a political protest rapidly spiralled into a violent confrontation. Regional police chief Liaqat Ali Malik confirmed that four officers were killed and 97 wounded, while 515 arrests were made, according to a report in British newspaper The Independent. Protesters and local groups, however, claim the death toll is significantly higher — between 20 and 30 — with over 200 injuries.

Situation on the Ground

Thousands of JAAC supporters have reportedly gathered on the outskirts of Rawalakot, approximately 100 km south of Muzaffarabad. Pakistani authorities have responded by sealing key road links, suspending internet and satellite services, and restricting media access across several areas. ATM and banking operations have been suspended due to the communications blackout. Fuel stations remain closed, and most businesses have shut down, with only medical stores and a handful of grocery shops reopening for limited hours.

Human Cost: Blue-Collar Workers Bear the Brunt

The economic paralysis has hit daily-wage earners hardest. Ikhlaq Ahmed, a 27-year-old day labourer from Muzaffarabad's Upper Adda commercial district, told The Independent: 'Since June 9, I have not earned a single rupee.' A driver, Asif Naz, captured the desperation more starkly: 'Those with resources may sustain it, but for blue-collar workers like us, it is self-slaughter.'

International Reaction: UK Parliament Speaks Out

The unrest has drawn condemnation from the United Kingdom. Bob Blackman, Conservative Party leader and Member of Parliament, strongly denounced the Pakistani authorities' response during a session in the British Parliament, calling it a 'despicable action.' Blackman stated: 'The illegal occupation of part of the Kashmir Valley by Pakistan has been going on since 1947. The Joint Awami Action Committee have been demonstrating for basic rights to food, electricity, and healthcare. But the Pakistani authorities have launched a severe crackdown... Pakistani forces have fired live ammunition on peaceful protesters.' He also noted that a number of British nationals may have been injured in the violence.

What Comes Next

The JAAC's banning and the scale of the crackdown represent a significant political challenge for Islamabad, which faces mounting pressure both domestically and internationally. With the 27 July polls approaching and thousands still gathered near Rawalakot, the risk of further escalation remains high. The discrepancy between official and protester casualty figures underscores the urgency of independent verification — something that remains impossible while media access is blocked.