Thousands of people continued their protest in Rawalakot in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Tuesday, marking the 22nd consecutive day of demonstrations against Islamabad’s control over the region.

The protest, being held at Rawalakot’s Eidgah Ground, saw speakers and participants express dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s governance in the region. Protesters asserted that the territory should not remain under Pakistan’s control and warned that they could seek stronger engagement with India if their concerns remained unaddressed.

The latest demonstrations are part of a broader wave of unrest witnessed across several parts of PoK in recent weeks. Protesters have raised concerns over political rights, governance, and what they describe as increasing repression by Pakistani authorities. Large sit-ins and rallies have been reported in Rawalakot and other towns, with participation from civil society groups, students and women.

The ongoing movement has been coordinated by groups including the Awami Action Committee, which has previously issued a charter of demands to Pakistani authorities. Protest leaders have warned of expanding the agitation if their demands are not met.

The protests come amid heightened tensions in the region, where demonstrations and clashes between protesters and security forces have been reported in recent weeks. Several rights groups and activists have also alleged crackdowns and restrictions in parts of PoK.

At least five people were killed in a shooting in the northern German town of Stade on Monday, prompting a large-scale police operation and the arrest of two suspects, authorities said. The incident took place near a youth welfare facility, sending shockwaves through the community.

Police said shots were fired in the Dankersstrasse area, where emergency personnel and heavily armed officers were deployed following reports of gunfire. Several people were also injured, although officials have not yet disclosed the exact number or the severity of their injuries.

Authorities confirmed that two individuals, including the suspected gunman, have been taken into custody. Investigators have not yet revealed a possible motive behind the attack, and inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Large police operation launched

Following the shooting, police urged residents to avoid the area and allow emergency services to carry out their work. Officials later stated that there was no indication of any further danger to the public.

The facility where the shooting occurred reportedly provides support and temporary accommodation to vulnerable young mothers and their children. All confirmed fatalities were adults, according to preliminary information released by authorities.

Investigators are continuing to examine the scene and interview witnesses as they work to determine what led to the deadly incident.

India on Sunday strongly rejected Pakistan’s allegations linking New Delhi to the recent militant attack in Karachi, describing the accusations as “baseless” and urging Islamabad to focus on tackling terrorism operating from within its own borders.

Responding to the claims, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Pakistan should “look inward” rather than blame other countries for its internal security challenges. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India categorically rejects the allegations and termed them an attempt to divert attention from Pakistan’s domestic issues.

The remarks came after Pakistan alleged Indian involvement in the attack on a Pakistan Rangers headquarters in Karachi. Pakistani authorities claimed that militants targeted the security installation, leading to casualties among security personnel. However, India dismissed the accusations and reiterated its longstanding position that Pakistan must take credible action against terrorism and dismantle terror infrastructure operating from its soil.

Karachi attack and Pakistan’s allegations

According to Pakistani authorities, militants launched an assault on the Rangers’ provincial headquarters in Karachi, triggering an exchange of gunfire. At least three Rangers personnel were killed, while security forces said several attackers were neutralised during the operation. A militant group linked to the Pakistani Taliban reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.

Despite these developments, Pakistan alleged external involvement in the attack, accusations that India has firmly denied. New Delhi maintained that Islamabad should concentrate on eliminating terrorist networks rather than making unsupported allegations against other countries.