BBC gains unprecedented access to Rawalakot, Pakistan‑administered Kashmir, where security forces clash with Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) protesters. Dr. Anwar’s makeshift clinic treats dozens of critically injured gunshot victims amid escalating unrest.

Key Takeaways

  • Violent clashes in Rawalakot have left dozens dead and many critically injured.
  • Dr. Anwar’s improvised clinic has treated 50‑60 severe gunshot victims, but lacks advanced care.
  • Protesters demand affordable flour, electricity, and basic rights while local elections proceed.

Rawalakot, a city in Pakistan‑administered Kashmir (PAK), has become a flashpoint as security forces and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) engage in deadly confrontations. The BBC is the first media outlet to gain on‑the‑ground access, hearing directly from families who have lost loved ones.

Dr. Anwar’s Makeshift Clinic

Just steps from the main protest site, Dr. Anwar operates a makeshift clinic in a spare bedroom, with a red‑tarpaulin‑covered bed outside. Patients like Shafqat Hussain, shot in the chest, receive first‑aid, but serious chest, abdominal or head injuries require referral to advanced hospitals—a capacity the region lacks.

Protesters’ Demands

The JAAC protests revolve around affordable flour, reasonable electricity tariffs, education, and health‑care access. An October agreement between Pakistan and PAK governments promised improvements, but locals claim it remains unimplemented.

Historical Background

JAAC was banned in June and labeled a foreign‑funded terrorist outfit, a characterization the group rejects, insisting it is peaceful and funded by the diaspora, not India. Over the past two months, dozens have been killed across the region, intensifying political tension as local elections unfold.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the escalation in Rawalakot could destabilize the broader Kashmir region, jeopardizing the ongoing local elections and potentially prompting international scrutiny.

"Without proper hospitals, many lives are lost; our makeshift clinic can only do so much," says Dr. Anwar.
Did You Know?: Rawalakot is home to roughly 4.5 million people and is currently in the middle of local elections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What sparked the protests in Rawalakot?

Answer: Demonstrators are demanding affordable flour, lower electricity rates, and basic civic rights.

Question 2: How has the government responded?

Answer: Officials claim security forces targeted only those attacking law‑enforcement, labeling JAAC as a violent group.