Pakistan: 8 killed amid massive protest in PoK in heavy firing by army

Amid massive protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), at least eight civilian protestors have been killed in heavy firing by Pakistani forces. The intense shutdown strike and widespread protests took place as anger grew over the government's failure to address demands raised by the Joint Awami Action Committee. Two more deaths were reported Tuesday, also from Muzaffarabad, taking the total to 10. Protestors threw stones and large shipping containers - strategically placed on bridges to block their march on Muzaffarabad - were tossed into the river below.

#POK

Protestors in POJK throw the container in rivers.
Protest intensifying
Failed Munir @OsintTV video courtesy pic.twitter.com/ndOtLRoS3H

— सौम्या சௌமியா (Modi's family) (@sowmiyasid) October 1, 2025

PoK has been wracked by massive protests - led by the Awami Action Committee over the 'denial of fundamental rights' - in the past 72 hours, including a complete shutdown of markets, shops, and local businesses, as well as a halt on transport services. The protesters - whose 'long march' on Muzaffarabad continues despite the crackdown - have 38 demands, which include abolition of 12 seats in the PoK Assembly reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan.

#Islamabad is sending more forces to crush the anti-Pakistan movement in #PoK.

Instead of listening to the voices of its own people, the regime does what it always does—deploy guns against the unarmed, lies against the truth.#PoJKRightsMovement@KH4N_UMM4H @NasirKhanUKPNP@UN pic.twitter.com/bZYzVr8zWN

— Moid Peerzada (@PeerzadaMoid) October 1, 2025

According to AAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir,"Our campaign is for fundamental rights denied to our people for over 70 years... either deliver on rights or face the wrath of the people." He said the strike was 'plan A' - a message that the people's patience has run out and the authorities were now on notice. The AAC has back-up plans and a severe 'plan D'.