The Azadi Times | Rawalakot, Pakistan-administered Kashmir | A prayer gathering for those killed in the unrest was held on 1 November at Darik Eidgah in Rawalakot, Poonch division of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Participants offered prayers for the departed and for patience for their families.
The gathering came as the sit-in in Rawalakot reached its 146th day. Overseas Kashmiris paid tribute to the women, elders, men and children who have remained at the sit-in throughout, saying their perseverance deserves attention.
Women and children at the centre
Diaspora members said the continued presence of women and children at the protest site reflects the resolve of the participants. Images circulating from Rawalakot show people at the site across different ages, in changing weather, and holding to their position despite hardship, they said.
Overseas Kashmiris also described the sit-in as carrying a message beyond Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). In their view, raising a voice peacefully and democratically for public rights, justice and basic demands is a collective responsibility of society, and one that matters to Pakistanis as much as to Kashmiris. This is the position of the overseas groups quoted, not a finding by The Azadi Times.
They expressed hope that the way forward would be serious negotiations and positive progress on the issues behind the protest.
Background
The sit-in is linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil-society coalition that has led protests in AJK. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, talks between the authorities and the JAAC collapsed on 30 May 2026, and the government banned the group under the AJK Anti-Terrorism Act on 5 June. The ban was followed by strikes, blockades and deadly clashes.
Figures for those killed differ. An AFP tally based on official figures counted 20 dead by 12 June. The JKJAAC says 67 people have died since 5 June. The UN has called for impartial investigations into dozens of reported deaths, and the HRCP has called for an independent probe into reports of deaths in Rawalakot. The HRCP has also recommended structured dialogue involving the JAAC, political parties, lawyers, civil society and journalists.
The authorities describe the situation differently. Pakistani media have reported that armed JAAC members clashed with security forces, and that security personnel were among the dead. The AJK government has begun sedition proceedings against JAAC leaders. The Azadi Times will publish statements from the government, the JAAC or any other party as they are received.
The Rawalakot sit-in has also drawn protests abroad. British Kashmiris have rallied in Bradford and have camped outside the Pakistan Consulate in Birmingham for more than 140 days.
