As Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir visits Türkiye, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is witnessing deadly protests. Here’s a timeline of the latest unrest, the…
1/8Munir visits Türkiye as PoK protests turn deadly: Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and senior military leaders during an official visit to Türkiye. The visit comes as Pakistan faces fresh unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Here’s a timeline of the latest protests. (Image: Presidency of the Republic of Turkiye/X)
2/8Tuesday’s clashes leave nine dead: At least nine people were killed on Tuesday, July 14, after violent clashes broke out between Pakistani security forces and supporters of the Joint Action Committee (JAAC). The violence erupted a day before the group planned a major protest march in Rawalakot ahead of regional elections later this month. (Image: Reuters)
3/8Where did the violence take place: The clashes occurred in Tarakhal, where six protesters and one police officer were killed, and in Rawalakot, where one protester and one security official lost their lives. The incidents marked one of the deadliest episodes in the latest wave of protests. (Image: Reuters)
4/8What led to the latest protests: In June, the Pakistan government banned the group under anti-terrorism laws, accusing it of activities that threaten public order. Despite being banned, JAAC supporters continued their protests and announced a fresh march to Rawalakot. (Image: Reuters)
5/8Why are protesters on the streets: The protests are centred on 12 reserved seats in the regional assembly for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir who now live in other parts of Pakistan. Although they no longer live in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, they continue to vote for these seats. (Image: Reuters)
6/8What is the protesters’ demand: Protesters argue that allowing people living outside the region to vote for the reserved seats is unfair. They say the system weakens the political voice of local residents and affects the region’s representation. (Image: Reuters)
7/8Why does Munir’s Türkiye visit matter: Munir’s visit comes against the backdrop of the unrest in PoK and strained ties between India and Turkey. The two countries have differed for years over Turkey’s support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. (Image: Reuters)
8/8India-Turkey ties remain under strain: Relations worsened after India abrogated Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The ties deteriorated further after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025 and India’s Operation Sindoor, following which Turkey criticised India’s action and reportedly supplied more than 350 Turkish-made drones to Pakistan. (Image: AI-generated)
