Widespread Protests Grip Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
Thousands of citizens have launched an indefinite anti-government protest across Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), particularly in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), demanding fundamental rights and economic justice. The demonstrations, spearheaded by the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee (JKAAC), began on September 29, 2025, following the collapse of negotiations with government representatives. The protests have been marked by a 'shutter-down and wheel-jam' strike, paralyzing normal life in the region.
Protestors' Demands and Government Response
The JKAAC has put forth a comprehensive 38-point charter of demands, addressing a range of political, economic, and social grievances. Key demands include:
- Abolition of 12 legislative seats in the AJK assembly reserved for Kashmiri refugees from the Indian side, which protestors argue undermine representative governance.
- Provision of subsidized flour to alleviate economic hardship.
- Implementation of fairer power tariffs, with electricity prices linked to the cost of production from local hydropower projects like Mangla.
- Removal of perks and privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite.
- Judicial reforms aimed at increasing transparency.
- Calls for the dissolution of assemblies and broader structural reforms.
- Demands for free healthcare, free education, jobs for youth, interest-free loans, and access to clean drinking water.
In response to the escalating unrest, the Pakistani government has deployed significant security forces, including paramilitary Rangers, Punjab Constabulary, and Frontier Constabulary personnel. Flag marches have been conducted in major towns, and entry and exit points of key cities have been sealed. Additionally, 1,000 additional police personnel from Islamabad have been dispatched to reinforce local forces. Telecommunication services, including mobile phones, landlines, internet, and social media, have been partially or fully suspended across the region since September 28, 2025, in an apparent effort to curb mobilization and communication among protestors.
Clashes and Casualties Reported Amidst Tensions
The protests have turned violent in some areas, with reports indicating at least two people killed and 22 injured in clashes. Security forces have reportedly used baton charges and tear gas to disperse crowds. The JKAAC has accused the administration of heavy-handedness. The ongoing standoff has raised concerns among observers, with fears that the protests could evolve into broader calls for 'Azadi' (freedom) if the government's hardline stance continues without addressing the underlying grievances.
6 Comments
Muchacho
The demands for fundamental rights are understandable, yet the geopolitical complexities of PoK mean any major shift could have unintended regional consequences beyond just local governance.
ZmeeLove
Economic justice and fair tariffs are not a privilege, they're a fundamental right. Support AJK!
Bermudez
The government's heavy-handed response only proves the protestors' point. Shameful tactics.
Muchacha
It's clear people are suffering economically and need relief, but dissolving assemblies might create a dangerous power vacuum rather than solve the root issues immediately.
Manolo Noriega
Cutting communication channels is a desperate measure, which might prevent coordination but also fuels mistrust and makes a peaceful resolution harder to achieve in the long run.
eliphas
The government's use of force is concerning and needs scrutiny, but they also have a responsibility to maintain law and order, especially if the protests turn violent.