14 Killed as Pakistani Forces Open Fire on Protesters in Rawalkot; Death Toll Reaches 75 in 54 Days of Unrest in PoJK

Protests in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) escalated sharply after Pakistani security forces opened fire on unarmed demonstrators gathered at Chinar Chowk in Rawalkot, leaving at least 14 people dead.

Key Highlights:
- Escalating Casualties: According to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the death toll across PoJK has reached 75 over the 54 days of protests that began on June 5.
- Continued Demonstrations: Despite heavy security crackdowns, protesters have refused to back down, holding ground at Chinar Chowk and later assembling at Maqbool Bhat Shaheed Chowk in Rawalkot.
- Political Condemnation: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr. Shahbaz Gill strongly criticized the Pakistani military and Field Marshal Asim Munir over the civilian killings, while JAAC leaders announced plans to block entry routes and restrict military movement.