PoJK Protests – Residents Demand Independent Media Access Amid Continuing Unrest
PoJK Protests – Demonstrations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) have entered another phase of uncertainty as local residents continue to raise concerns over the authorities’ response to the movement. What began as protests over public issues has developed into a prolonged campaign accompanied by allegations of excessive force, reported civilian deaths, and restrictions on independent reporting. Local voices are now urging domestic and international media organizations to examine the situation directly.
Local Residents Challenge Official Narrative
Among those speaking publicly are Rawalakot resident Sardar Aman Khan Kashmiri and local social media influencer Aqeel. Both have questioned the official version of events presented by Pakistani authorities and have appealed for wider media coverage of the developments in the region.
Speaking from Rawalakot, Aman Khan criticized remarks reportedly made by the Inspector General of PoJK Police, saying it was inappropriate to describe peaceful demonstrators as terrorists. According to him, those participating in the protests were ordinary civilians who had gathered without weapons to express their concerns through peaceful and democratic means.
Allegations Over Security Response
Aman Khan also alleged that multiple security agencies, including the Rangers, police, Frontier Corps (FC), and other personnel, had been positioned across strategic locations in the city. He claimed that security forces were deployed on rooftops and accused them of using elevated positions during operations against demonstrators.
Rejecting the official narrative, he called on the Pakistani government to allow unrestricted access for both national and international journalists, as well as opposition political representatives. He argued that independent reporting would help establish an accurate picture of the situation and determine whether the protesters were engaged in peaceful demonstrations or any unlawful activity.
Calls for Democratic Rights
According to Aman Khan, the protesters are demanding improved governance, employment opportunities, quality education, access to justice, and an end to what they describe as state repression. He maintained that the movement has continued for nearly two months and appealed to people across Pakistan and the international community to support what he characterized as a constitutional and democratic campaign.
He further alleged that security resources intended for national defense were instead being used against civilians in PoJK. Despite the challenges, he stated that demonstrators intend to continue their movement until their demands receive a satisfactory response.
Influencer Documents Developments
In a separate statement issued from D-Chowk in Rawalakot, local influencer Aqeel also accused security forces of continuing operations against protesters despite claiming that the demonstrations remained peaceful. He alleged that shelling and firing had continued during the ongoing unrest.
Aqeel further claimed that Pakistan’s national media had presented the protests in a misleading manner by portraying participants as terrorists. Rejecting that characterization, he said the demonstrations were peaceful and deserved impartial coverage.
Shift From Travel Content to Ground Reporting
Aqeel explained that he had previously focused on travel-related social media content but decided to document the unfolding events after witnessing the protests. He said his recent work has included recording alleged firing incidents, shelling, and funeral processions connected with those reported to have died during the unrest.
Speaking about the origins of the movement, he said protesters initially marched carrying white flags after authorities allegedly failed to fulfill commitments made under an earlier charter of demands. According to him, assurances were given that action would be taken within a specified period, but those commitments were not implemented, leading to renewed demonstrations.
Claims of Casualties and Appeal for Independent Coverage
Aqeel also made serious allegations regarding casualties during the protests. He claimed that hundreds of young people had lost their lives since the movement began and alleged that around 40 deaths had occurred within the previous three days. According to his account, many victims reportedly suffered gunshot wounds to the chest, while he also alleged that a five-month-old infant was killed in Mirpur during the unrest.
He repeated claims that public resources funded through taxation were being used against civilians rather than for national defense. Concluding his statement, Aqeel urged international media organizations to continue monitoring developments in PoJK and independently report on the situation unfolding in the region.