City Shuts Down as Demonstrations Spread
Muzaffarabad remained tense and largely paralysed on Friday evening as an ongoing protest sit-in disrupted normal life across the Azad Jammu and Kashmir capital.
Markets were closed in several areas. Public movement was severely restricted. Roads remained blocked as demonstrations spread through different parts of the city.
Women and children were also seen participating in the protests. Their presence reflected the growing scale of public anger and concern.
Local reporter Hamraz Chaudhry said Muzaffarabad was “completely closed” during the unrest. He claimed that police opened heavy fire between approximately 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm.
According to Chaudhry, the intensity of the firing created widespread panic among residents. He said repeated gunshots were heard across the city for an extended period.
The continued sit-in has affected businesses, transport and daily routines. Residents remained indoors as uncertainty spread through the capital.
Reporter Claims Police Officer Fired at Close Range
Chaudhry also described a frightening incident near the Gojra Police Lines road.
He alleged that a police officer travelling in a police vehicle fired four to five shots from a distance of nearly five feet.
The reporter said he feared for his life during the incident. He also claimed that no protesters or Action Committee workers were present at that location when the shots were fired.
According to his account, police vehicles continued moving through different areas of Muzaffarabad during the evening.
He alleged that shots were repeatedly fired from police vans, increasing fear among residents and protesters.
There was no immediate independent confirmation of the reporter’s claims. Authorities had also not released detailed information about possible injuries, arrests or the type of ammunition used.
The reported firing has raised serious questions about the handling of the protest and the use of force in civilian areas.
Residents expressed concern that further confrontation could worsen the situation and trigger wider unrest.
Political Leaders Gather as Tensions Rise
Several senior political figures were also present in Muzaffarabad while the protests continued.
Federal Minister Rana Sanaullah and Adviser Amir Muqam of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz were reportedly in the city.
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and other political leaders were also gathered at a local five-star hotel.
Their presence highlighted the growing political importance of the crisis. However, no immediate official statement was issued regarding the reported firing or the ongoing sit-in.
The protest has brought commercial activity to a halt and created major mobility problems across Muzaffarabad.
Shops remained closed, traffic was disrupted and residents faced difficulty travelling between different areas.
The city remained on edge as protesters continued their demonstration and fears of further escalation grew.
Residents and observers have called for restraint, dialogue and an immediate investigation into the reported use of force.
The situation remains sensitive, with the public waiting for an official response from the government, police and protest organisers.
