Pakistan security forces fire on protesters, killing at least 21

Published Aug 3, 11:37 AM UTC

On July 27, Pakistani security forces opened fire on protesters in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir (PaJK), killing at least 21 people and injuring dozens. The protests, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), began after the government proscribed the group under anti-terrorism legislation on June 5. Since then, an estimated 40 people have been killed. The JAAC, formed in 2023 over rising wheat and electricity prices, now demands political reforms including the abolition of 'refugee seats' in the PaJK legislative assembly, which critics say are undemocratic and allow Islamabad to manipulate government formation. Pakistani Defense Minister Khwaja Asif labeled the protesters 'enemies like India,' signaling a hardline response. The unrest coincides with elections to the PaJK assembly, and the government has imposed a communications shutdown across the territory.