The situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has continued to deteriorate, with protests showing no signs of abating. Reports of enforced disappearances have increased significantly, while protesters have accused Pakistani security forces of using excessive force to quell the agitation. When the protests erupted nearly three months ago, security forces used force to disperse the demonstrators. Pakistan also allegedly facilitated the infiltration of unruly elements into the protest sites, with the resulting violence providing grounds for the security forces to use force against the protesters.

An official said that with the protesters remaining adamant this time, the Pakistani establishment has been appealing for peace. "On the one hand, they appeal for peace, while on the other, they are carrying out targeted killings of innocent people in the region," the official said.