Violence in PoK: JAAC demands halt to Pakistani security forces’ actions, expresses concern over firing on civilians and drone strikes

November 9, 2026

Islamabad: Amid escalating violence against civilians in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has demanded that Pakistani authorities immediately stop firing, alleged unnecessary use of force, and all actions that intimidate civilians.

This demand comes after Pakistani security forces allegedly resorted to firing and drone strikes against peaceful protesters in the Rawalakot area. Several people, including women and children, were reportedly killed and dozens seriously injured in these incidents.

Expressing concern over the tense situation in Rawalakot and surrounding areas, the JAAC said, “Those participating in peaceful protests are not enemies; they are our own people. Firing on civilians, intimidating communities through aerial means, and any unnecessary use of force must immediately cease.”

The committee urged the authorities to hand over the bodies of those killed to their families without delay, express condolences, and provide appropriate assistance. Furthermore, it demanded immediate, safe, and undiscriminatory medical care for all injured, and the restoration of mobile, internet, and other essential communication services in PoK.

Demand for Independent and Impartial Investigation of Incidents

JAAC stated that all deaths, injuries, arrests, alleged use of unlawful force, armed activities, and allegations of provocation should be investigated independently, impartially, and transparently. The committee demanded that the investigation process, jurisdiction, arrangements for the preservation of evidence and witness protection, and the timeline for issuing the report be established in writing in advance.

The committee also stated that no allegation should be presented as established fact without verifiable evidence.

On Sunday, JAAC also expressed concern over reports of another alleged drone strike targeting a residential building in Rawalakot. The committee wrote on the social media platform X that the alleged use of explosive drones against civilian homes raises serious questions about the safety of civilians and violates international human rights laws.

It appealed to the United Nations and international human rights organizations to demand answers from Pakistani authorities and take immediate action to save civilian lives.

UKPNP also demanded a UN investigation

Meanwhile, the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) also strongly condemned the alleged firing, excessive use of force, and drone strikes targeting peaceful protesters and residential areas in Rawlakot.

According to the organization, a woman and a man were reportedly killed near the Mutialamara bus terminal in Rawlakot. The organization claimed that Umar Farooq Chowk was also under attack, with heavy machine gun fire, drone fire, and mortar shelling reported.

The UKPNP also claimed that drones were being used to drop explosive devices in residential areas. According to the organization, two other people were also killed, reportedly including a 10-year-old girl. Several others were seriously injured.

The UKPNP has called for an independent investigation by the United Nations and the establishment of an impartial international fact-finding mission to investigate the alleged killings and human rights violations in PoK.