'My only son was shot standing up for justice' - inside city gripped by deadly protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir

What the report says

BBC World News reports from Rawalakot in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where weeks of unrest have left dozens dead in clashes between protesters and security forces. The story describes a city under heavy strain as the BBC gained unusual access to the area during a period of local elections, road blockages and an internet shutdown that has made independent reporting difficult.

At the center of the protests is the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which says it is pressing for lower electricity costs, affordable flour and broader public services, and argues that a deal reached with authorities last October has not been carried out. Local officials dispute that account, saying the group has blocked roads, posed security risks and tried to disrupt polling. They also reject claims that forces fired indiscriminately at peaceful demonstrators.

The BBC described makeshift medical care near the protest site, including a small clinic treating seriously injured people who may not reach larger hospitals. Doctors said many patients were young and that severe gunshot injuries were common. Families interviewed by the broadcaster said relatives were shot while protesting, while authorities maintained that only people involved in attacks or public disorder were targeted. The conflicting accounts underscore how contested the violence remains.

The report highlights a worsening humanitarian and political crisis, with food shortages, shuttered shops and continued tension over the protests’ direction. The JAAC says it remains open to talks, but further demonstrations are planned.