'Feels like Palestine': Pakistan protesters accuse forces of opening fire on unarmed people; 17 killed
Videos from the protest site have gone viral on social media. In one video, a person recording the incident can be heard saying, “The firing is still continuing. It feels like we are in Palestine, I swear to God. They have created such a situation here.”
The video also shows protesters raising religious slogans, such as “Allah Hu Akbar.”
The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which is leading the protests, has claimed that security forces opened fire on protesters, killing several people.
In another part of the video, a protester is heard accusing the authorities of killing innocent people. He says, “They have killed countless of our brothers. They buy bullets with our tax money and use those bullets against us.” He also appeals to human rights organisations and international media, urging them to investigate the situation.
Rawalakot
Situation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir remains extremely tense.
Pakistani forces continue a brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters. Latest video from Rawalakot shows the reality on the ground.#RightsMovementAJK pic.twitter.com/figai8n8bC
— Sohaib Khan (@iamsardarsohaib) July 27, 2026
People in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have been protesting since the beginning of June. The protesters are demanding the removal of 12 reserved seats in the Legislative Assembly, more political representation for local people, the release of arrested leaders and activists, better governance, and improved basic facilities like electricity and water.
The protests started before the elections, and authorities tried to control the demonstrations. During the clashes, several people, including protesters and security personnel, were reportedly killed.
According to reports, Pakistani security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters. The JAAC has claimed that at least nine people were killed in Rawalkot alone, while several reports put the death toll at 17. The group has also released a handwritten list of people who were allegedly killed.
Following the incident, tensions increased, with more people taking to the streets to protest. Additional security forces have been deployed in several areas. The internet services have reportedly been suspended in several parts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
According to reports, around 91 people have been killed during the ongoing unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.