New Delhi, September 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continues amid reports of targeted killings, alleged enforced disappearances and a prolonged communications blackout, with protests and allegations of excesses by Pakistani security forces persisting in the region.
Internet restrictions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have continued for more than 100 days since protests erupted in June, according to recent reports, making it difficult for independent information from the region to emerge.
An official tracking developments in the region alleged that Pakistani security forces had resorted to targeted killings to create fear among residents and pressure protesters to withdraw.
“On the one hand, they appeal for peace, while on the other, they are carrying out targeted killings of innocent people in the region,” the official said.
Officials alleged that protesters were not being directly attacked as in earlier phases of the agitation, but claimed that people unconnected with the protests were being targeted.
“The security forces are, instead, indulging in targeted killings. They randomly just shoot and kill people who are not even connected with the protest. The idea is to instill fear in the minds of the people so that they put pressure on the protesters to withdraw,” the officials said.
Earlier this week, two motorcyclists were reportedly targeted in separate incidents in Rawalakot. One was killed and the other injured. According to the source material, Pakistani security forces refused to hand over the deceased man’s body.
The developments have raised concerns over the deteriorating situation in the region. A complete communications blackout has also been reported, while limited access to information has made it difficult to establish the exact number of deaths, arrests and alleged disappearances. Recent reporting has independently confirmed that internet restrictions in the territory have persisted for more than 100 days.
The unrest has its roots in longstanding grievances over governance, political representation, resource allocation and regional autonomy. Recent protests have also focused on electoral reforms.
According to an Intelligence Bureau official cited in the source material, Pakistan announced a bounty of PKR 1 crore on those organising the protests soon after a peace offer was made.
Protesters have alleged that they initially trusted the establishment and signed some peace agreements, but claimed that several signatories were subsequently killed or went missing.
The protests had initially centred on demands for better water supply, roads and medical facilities. The movement has since expanded to include demands for electoral reforms, with allegations that the establishment sought to influence elections in favour of the PML-N.
Pakistan has maintained that it has made several offers for dialogue and peace to the people of PoK, while protesters have expressed distrust over the government’s intentions.
The unrest comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan again raised the Kashmir issue at the United Nations General Assembly, calling for disputes, including Kashmir, to be addressed through dialogue within the framework of the UN Charter and relevant resolutions. India has consistently opposed third-party involvement and maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country.
The situation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir remains tense, with continued restrictions on communications adding to concerns over transparency and the availability of independent information from the region.
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