Violent Clashes in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Result in Civilian Casualties

Tragic Events Unfold in Muzaffarabad

Muzaffarabad: Recent violent confrontations in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) have led to the deaths of at least eight civilians, including a female lawyer and a doctor, in the Kotli region. The victims have been identified as advocate Aroosa, Dr. Ahsan Saleem, British-Kashmiri Muhammad Akhtar, activist Chaudhry Ehtesham, Goga Bhai, and Haseeb Naqash. Numerous protesters marching towards Muzaffarabad were injured when Pakistani Rangers opened fire and deployed tear gas against them. Local residents accused the Pakistani military of vandalizing the Kotli hospital, locking medical personnel inside, and obstructing treatment for the injured.

Ehtesham-ul-Haq, a notable member of the Life Line Foundation and a graduate from the University of Kotli, was actively involved in providing humanitarian aid at the DHQ hospital in Kotli when the violence erupted. His efforts included organizing medical assistance and blood donations for those hurt during the military operations. Tragically, he was shot and killed during an attack on the hospital premises.

The atmosphere remains charged in PoK as protests continue from various areas towards Muzaffarabad. The violent clashes have resulted in numerous fatalities, including four members of the Pakistani security forces, following allegations that they fired upon demonstrators linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). These protests were ignited by the PoK government's decision to ban the JAAC, a grassroots organization advocating against issues like inflation, electricity costs, taxation, and the region's ongoing political marginalization.