In Rawalakot, a city in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PAK), violent clashes between security forces and protesters from the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have resulted in dozens of deaths over the past two months. The region, home to approximately 4.5 million people, is currently holding elections.
Dr Anwar, a local doctor whose name has been changed to protect his identity, operates a makeshift clinic near the main protest site. He described the clinic setup, noting a bed under a red tarpaulin stained with the blood of previously injured individuals. "We have enough supplies to provide first aid. We can stop bleeding, clean and dress wounds, and remove superficial bullets. But patients with serious injuries to the chest, abdomen, head, or other vital organs need advanced hospitals," he said. He added that even major hospitals would struggle if many such patients arrived simultaneously.
Most casualties have been young people between 15-16 and 32-35 years old, with very few patients over 40. Protesters have voiced grievances, stating, "We only asked for affordable flour, electricity and our basic rights," and questioned, "Instead, our brothers are being killed. What was our crime? Why are live bullets being fired at us?"
The government of PAK has rejected allegations that security forces fired indiscriminately on peaceful protesters. Officials stated that law enforcement acted against individuals involved in attacks on personnel, threats to public safety, or obstruction of lawful authority. They also reported that under interrogation, one man claimed he was promised a reward of 10 million rupees (around £26,700) for every paramilitary officer killed.
Dr Anwar reflected on his experience, saying, "I lived through the martial law periods of General Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf."
The BBC is the first media organization to gain access to Rawalakot and speak directly with those involved in the protests.
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