Pakistani security forces opened fire on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing several civilians, including children and pregnant women.

The violence follows a government ban on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) under anti-terrorism legislation. This escalation highlights the volatile security situation in the contested region and the state's response to organized civil dissent.

The crackdown occurred on June 6 and 7, 2024 [1]. Security operations were initiated after the government banned the JAAC on June 6, 2024 [1]. The military action, associated with the leadership of army chief Asim Munir, resulted in significant civilian casualties [1], [2].

Reports indicate that the violence was particularly lethal for vulnerable populations. According to data from the crackdown, 19 children were killed [2]. Additionally, seven pregnant women died during the security operations [2].

The unrest erupted as the JAAC sought to challenge government policies. The subsequent use of lethal force by the army has drawn attention to the human rights conditions within Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The crackdown coincided with reports of heightened tensions along the Afghanistan border, though the primary focus of the domestic violence remained the suppression of the banned committee [1].

Local reports describe a scene of chaos as security forces moved to dismantle protest sites. The use of live ammunition against civilians has intensified criticisms of the military's approach to governance in the region [1], [2].

“19 children were killed during the PoK crackdown”

The use of anti-terrorism laws to ban a civil action committee and the subsequent lethal crackdown suggest a narrowing space for political expression in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. By targeting the JAAC, the Pakistani military is signaling a zero-tolerance policy toward organized protests that challenge state authority, further complicating the humanitarian and political landscape of the disputed territory.