'My only son was shot standing up for justice' - inside city gripped by deadly protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir

In the city of Rawalakot, situated in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, a makeshift clinic of Dr Anwar stands close to the main protest area. Dr Anwar, a doctor, is treating critically injured patients who have been shot during ongoing protests. Since July 27th, the clinic has treated around 50 to 60 severely injured patients, with Dr Anwar personally treating 15 to 20 with gunshot wounds.

Most of the patients are young individuals between 15-16 years old and 32-35 years old. The protests are being fueled by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), who are demanding affordable flour, electricity, and basic rights. The JAAC claims they are peaceful and not foreign-funded terrorists, but the authorities label them as violent.

The protests have resulted in the death of dozens of people, with most of them being young. The JAAC has been banned since June and the local government claims they are armed and trying to disrupt the ongoing elections. The JAAC rejects this characterization and says they are victims, with their leader, Ali, stating that they were only asking for their rights.

The internet is cut and roads are blocked, making it difficult to get accurate information. Despite the government's denial, eyewitnesses and protesters claim that the security forces are firing on peaceful protesters, indiscriminately.