PoK Sees Widespread Unrest as Pakistani Army, Rangers Crack Down on Rights Protesters; Internet Shut Down, Curfew-Like Conditions
Key Highlights:
- 10 protesters killed in 3 days amid heavy crackdown
- Internet shutdown, market closures across PoK
- Protesters demand end to ‘systemic denial’ of basic rights
- Pakistan deploys additional troops, restricts internet access
- London protest planned in solidarity with PoK demonstrators
Widespread Unrest Grips PoK Over Fundamental Rights
Massive protests have erupted across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), over the denial of basic rights and systemic governance issues.
Over the past 72 hours, the region has witnessed:
- A complete shutdown of markets, transport, and local services
- Internet blackouts in several towns
- Violent clashes between demonstrators and Pakistani security forces
Death Toll Rises to 10 in 72 Hours of Unrest
At least 10 civilians have lost their lives since protests began:
- 4 killed in Dhirkot (Bagh District)
- 4 in Muzaffarabad (including 2 deaths reported Tuesday)
- 2 in Mirpur
According to JAAC sources, the Pakistan Rangers opened fire on peaceful protesters, while others were killed due to heavy shelling by security forces, including the Pakistan Army.
Protesters Toss Barricades, Defy Blockades
Protesters in Muzaffarabad:
- Threw stones and toppled shipping containers placed by security forces on bridges to block their march
- Shared visuals on social media showing crowds pushing barricades into rivers
- Broke through blockades, with caravans reaching the city center
JAAC Presents 38 Demands to Islamabad
The protest is centered around 38 demands, including:
- Abolition of 12 reserved seats in the PoK Assembly for Kashmiri refugees in Pakistan
- Release of arrested protesters
- Compensation and government jobs for families of civilians killed
- Labeling of Muslim Conference (allegedly ISI-backed) as a terrorist organization
JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir stated:
“Our campaign is for fundamental rights denied for over 70 years. Either deliver on rights or face the people’s wrath.”
He warned that this protest is only “Plan A”, with “Plan D” being a severe response if demands are ignored.
Pakistan Responds With Force and Blackouts
To counter the growing unrest, Islamabad has:
- Deployed thousands of additional troops from Punjab and Islamabad
- Conducted flag marches across PoK towns, as reported by Dawn
- Imposed internet blackouts in protest-heavy areas
Global Attention: London Protest Planned
In response to the violence:
- A group called “Friends of Joint Awami Action Committee” has announced a protest outside the Pakistan High Commission in London on Thursday.
Backdrop: Rising Tensions in Pakistan
This week’s violence follows a tragic incident last week where:
- 30 civilians were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after Chinese JF-17 jets dropped laser-guided LS-6 bombs
- Locals blame the Pakistani government and Chinese involvement for escalating the crisis
The region has also seen increased terrorist activity, with banned groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed reportedly setting up new bases.
Conclusion: A Crisis Brewing Beyond Borders
The unrest in PoK marks a significant moment in the region’s history, with local populations openly challenging Pakistan’s authority. As global awareness grows, pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration to address the protesters’ demands or face deeper civil resistance.
