MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan: The death toll from clashes between police and members of a banned protest movement in Pakistan-administered Kashmir has risen to 20, according to an AFP tally on Friday based on official figures. Supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), an anti-government movement demanding economic and governance reforms, have been pressing ahead with protests despite the group being banned under anti-terrorism laws last week. Officials initially told AFP on Monday that seven people had been killed — three civilians and four police officers — and dozens wounded.

Pakistani forces killed 12 protesters from the Joint Awami Action Committee in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, raising concerns over military chief Asim Munir's handling of dissent.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been gripped by unrest in recent days as authorities intensify a crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The crisis has escalated…