Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir erupts in violent protests, 12 civilians killed in army crackdown
Muzaffarabad: At least 12 civilians were killed and over 200 injured as Pakistani security forces opened fire on protesters in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK), marking one of the region’s most intense uprisings in recent years.
The unrest, now in its third day, has spread across Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Neelum Valley, Kotli, and Dadyal, where demonstrators clashed with the army. Reports said five protesters were killed in Muzaffarabad, five in Dheerkot, and two in Dadyal. Three policemen also lost their lives.
The agitation, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (AAC), began on September 29 over the government’s failure to meet 38 demands. Key demands include scrapping 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, tax relief, flour and electricity subsidies, and completion of pending development projects.
Markets and businesses remain shut, while internet, mobile, and landline services have been suspended. Visuals circulating on social media show thousands of protesters toppling barricades and raising slogans such as “Kashmir is ours, we will decide its fate”, in a rare direct challenge to Pakistan’s military establishment.
In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, currently in London, announced the formation of a negotiation panel and appealed for peace, urging security forces to show restraint.
Meanwhile, United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) spokesperson Nasir Aziz Khan appealed to the United Nations for urgent intervention, warning of a potential humanitarian crisis.
This escalation comes days after 30 civilians were killed in airstrikes by the Pakistan Air Force in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, further heightening tensions in the region.
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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
