What You Need to Know
• Zaheer Iqbal, a construction laborer, transported his brother to a hospital in Hajira after a collapse.
• Iqbal’s brother required 2.5 liters of fuel for the initial 10km journey to Hajira, followed by five liters to Islamabad.
• Protests and unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have persisted for six weeks, impacting healthcare access and services.
Zaheer Iqbal, a construction laborer, faced a critical situation when his elder brother collapsed from chest pain in their village of Keri Kot, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, in mid-June. With no ambulance service available, Iqbal and his family carried his brother on a makeshift bed to the nearest road, where they secured a ride to the government hospital in Hajira, requiring 2.5 liters of fuel for the journey. After stabilizing the patient, doctors advised immediate transfer to a larger facility in Islamabad, necessitating another search for fuel and transportation. The unrest in the region, sparked by the banning of the Joint Awami Action Committee, has led to widespread protests, strikes, and service disruptions, complicating access to medical care for residents in Poonch Division.
Why It Matters
The ongoing unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, particularly in Poonch Division, has significant implications for local health services and community safety. The protests began after the government banned the Joint Awami Action Committee, which advocates for the rights of Kashmiri refugees. This has resulted in numerous deaths and injuries among both protesters and law enforcement personnel, highlighting the tensions in the region. The situation underscores the challenges faced by residents in accessing essential services, including healthcare, amid political instability and civil unrest.
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