Is Pakistan ‘using India’s playbook’ in Kashmir?

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported on July 30, 2026, that Pakistan is under scrutiny over allegations that its security forces killed dozens of people described as unarmed protesters during a week of demonstrations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The report was presented as a video segment tied to Al Jazeera’s Inside Story programme, where presenter James Bays put to panellists the question of whether Islamabad is adopting methods associated with India’s handling of unrest in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The available article text does not provide the protest locations, official casualty confirmations, the stated demands of demonstrators, or responses from Pakistani authorities. It frames the central development as an accusation against Pakistani security forces and a broader debate over state tactics in a disputed and heavily politicised region.

The issue matters because Kashmir remains one of South Asia’s most sensitive flashpoints. The territory is divided between Pakistan and India, and both governments’ approaches to dissent there are closely watched by residents, rights groups and regional observers. Al Jazeera’s framing suggests the controversy is not only about the reported deaths, but also about comparisons between the conduct of the two rival states in the parts of Kashmir they administer.

Beyond what Al Jazeera’s brief article states, general context is that protests in Kashmir often carry wider political significance due to long-running disputes over governance, representation and security. Further reporting would be needed to establish the number of casualties, the circumstances of any shootings, and whether any investigations or official actions have followed.