At least 12 civilians were killed and more than 150 injured on Tuesday after Pakistani security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters in different parts of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to local reports.Â
The unrest, which has been building for days over grievances related to political rights, economic hardships, and rising fuel and food costs, escalated sharply as paramilitary forces and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel resorted to heavy force to quell demonstrations.
Visuals emerging from hospitals in the region showed rows of injured civilians receiving treatment, underscoring the scale of violence.
Witnesses reported that protests had remained largely peaceful before turning deadly following live fire by security personnel.
The incident marks one of the bloodiest crackdowns in PoK in recent years, drawing sharp condemnation from rights groups and sparking fears of further unrest.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the civilian deaths.
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