Violent clashes break out in Rawalakot, Pakistan-administered Kashmir

The BBC has secured unprecedented access to Rawalakot, the main town in Pakistan‑administered Kashmir that has become the focal point of recent violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators. The confrontations, which erupted earlier this month, involved large crowds of protesters confronting police and paramilitary units, resulting in numerous injuries and several reported fatalities. Rawalakot, a strategic hub near the Line of Control, has long been a flashpoint for political unrest, and the latest unrest follows weeks of heightened tensions over local grievances and demands for greater autonomy.

BBC journalists were permitted to enter the city, film on the streets and interview residents, providing rare visual documentation of the aftermath of the clashes and the ongoing security presence. The footage includes scenes of damaged infrastructure, medical teams treating the wounded, and statements from both authorities and civilians describing the intensity of the confrontations. By broadcasting this material, the BBC aims to offer the international community a clearer picture of the situation in Rawalakot and its broader implications for stability in the region.