In the city of Rawalakot, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Dr Anwar runs a makeshift clinic to treat protesters injured in clashes with security officials. Since 27 July, the clinic has treated around 50 to 60 critically injured patients, with the doctor personally treating 15 to 20 with gunshot wounds. The protests, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), have resulted in dozens of deaths across the region in the last two months.
The JAAC is demanding affordable flour, electricity, and basic rights, with concerns including education and healthcare. An agreement signed with the Pakistan and PAK governments in October was meant to address these issues, but the JAAC claims it has not been implemented. The local government disagrees, stating that the group is armed and seeking to disrupt the ongoing polls.
Protesters are scared to go to the main hospital, fearing arrest or further violence. The authorities have denied these claims. At the clinic, Shafqat Hussain lies dying from a chest wound, while his friend Ali mourns beside him. Ali says, "We only asked for our basic rights. Instead, our brothers are being killed. What was our crime? Why are live bullets being fired at us?"
Families who have lost loved ones in the protests are speaking out. Asma, who was at the protest when her only son was shot, says, "We were only asking for our rights. We are not terrorists. No mother could ask for a better son." The JAAC has been banned and labelled foreign-funded terrorists, but they reject this characterisation, stating they are peaceful and funded by the PAK community abroad.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: BBC World