Shahzaib killing sparks protests in Rawalakot as security tightened in Kashmir

The Commissioner of Rawalakot in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Sardar Waheed, has told that a case has been registered

The Commissioner of Rawalakot in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Sardar Waheed, has told that a case has been registered in connection with the killing of Shahzaib, a worker associated with the outlawed Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee. According to him, protests are still ongoing in the area as demonstrators continue to gather and express their anger over the incident.

Sardar Waheed further stated that security forces, including Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel, have been deployed at sensitive locations across the region to maintain order and prevent further escalation of tensions. He added that clashes between law enforcement agencies and protesters have resulted in injuries to three demonstrators, although the situation remains under observation by the authorities.

Meanwhile, police in Muzaffarabad have reported that they conducted a raid on the central office of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee. Officials confirmed that the office has now been sealed as part of ongoing security operations. The police also claimed that weapons were recovered during the search, although further details regarding the nature or quantity of the seized arms were not immediately disclosed.

Despite these developments, the situation in Muzaffarabad city has been described as largely normal. Traffic continues to flow on the roads, and shops as well as markets remain open. However, authorities have instructed tourists staying in guesthouses and hotels to return to their respective destinations, likely as a precautionary measure in view of the evolving security situation.

The regional atmosphere remains tense but controlled, with law enforcement agencies maintaining a visible presence in key areas to prevent any further disturbances. Officials are closely monitoring developments as protests continue in certain parts of the region.

In a parallel development, leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) from Kashmir met with the party’s chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, to brief him on the current situation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. During the meeting, they provided updates on the unrest, ongoing protests, and the government’s response to the situation on the ground.

Following the briefing, a statement issued by the party indicated that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had decided to meet with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, to discuss the issue further. The purpose of the meeting, according to the statement, is to explore possible solutions to the crisis through dialogue and institutional processes.

During the discussions, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized the importance of resolving the matter through negotiations and within the framework of the legislative assembly. He reportedly stressed that political dialogue and parliamentary engagement should be prioritized in order to address grievances and restore stability in the region.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as both security measures and political consultations proceed in parallel, with hopes of de-escalating tensions and restoring normalcy across the affected areas of Kashmir.