According to a report, Turkish police have arrested 3 Pakistanis on charges of kidnapping an Indian citizen. Another report says 2 Pakistani men who kidnapped 2 Indian nationals have been arrested in Cambodia. Molly Gambhir tells you more!

Gravitas: Turkish police arrest 3 Pakistanis on charges of kidnapping an Indian: Report

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<p>The Lahore High&nbsp;Court&nbsp;on Thursday (May 23) heard a challenge to&nbsp;Pakistan's&nbsp;media&nbsp;watchdog's&nbsp;restriction on reporting on the&nbsp;nation's&nbsp;ongoing court proceedings .</p>

<p>On May 21, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) prohibited TV news networks from providing news, analysis, and opinions regarding the ongoing legal processes. Various journalist associations&nbsp;have have&nbsp;rejected&nbsp;PEMRA's&nbsp;ban, stating it violates the&nbsp;country’s&nbsp;Constitution.</p>

<p>This restriction&nbsp;is intended&nbsp;to prevent&nbsp;judges'&nbsp;"adverse comments"&nbsp;from being&nbsp;publicised&nbsp;in cases involving former prime minister Imran Khan and the interference of intelligence agencies in court proceedings.</p>

<p>Tensions have been simmering between the judges of the Islamabad High Court and the military-backed government of Shehbaz Sharif over the alleged meddling of intelligence agencies in legal matters. The former accused the latter of using coercion to get desired verdicts in various cases, particularly those involving Imran Khan and the leaders of his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-vinay-waikul-on-working-with-sonali-bendre-in-broken-news-and-medias-need-for-course-correction-723874" hreflang="en">Vinay Waikul on working with Sonali Bendre in Broken News, and media's need for course correction</a></strong></p>

<p>The PEMRA notice was released on the same day that the Islamabad High Court questioned the&nbsp;spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), about the purported abduction of Kashmiri poet Ahmad Farhad.</p>

<p>The PEMRA announcement was contested at the LHC on Thursday by attorney Samra Malik, who claimed that it was&nbsp;"illegal and violative of&nbsp;Article-19&nbsp;and 19-A of the Constitution."</p>

<p>She asked that the media&nbsp;regulator's&nbsp;"illegal"&nbsp;notice be declared unlawful by the court and postponed until the&nbsp;petition's&nbsp;outcome was determined.</p>

<p>“TV channels are directed to refrain from airing tickers/headlines about court proceedings and shall only report the written orders of the court.&nbsp;Don't&nbsp;air content including commentary, opinions or suggestions about the potential fate of sub judice matter which tends to prejudice the determination by a court, tribunal,”&nbsp;PEMRA said in its notification.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Lahore High Court on Thursday (May 23) heard a challenge to Pakistan's media watchdog's restriction on reporting on the nation's ongoing court proceedings . On May 21, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) prohibited TV news networks from providing news, analysis, and opinions regarding the ongoing legal processes.

The Lahore High Court on Thursday (May 23) heard a challenge to Pakistan's media watchdog's restriction on reporting on the nation's ongoing court proceedings . On May 21, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) prohibited TV news networks from providing news, analysis, and opinions regarding the ongoing legal processes. Various journalist associations have have rejected PEMRA's ban, stating it violates the country’s Constitution. This restriction is intended to prevent judges' "adverse comments" from being publicised in cases involving former prime minister Imran Khan and the interference of intelligence agencies in court proceedings. Tensions have been simmering between the judges of the Islamabad High Court and the military-backed government of Shehbaz Sharif over the alleged meddling of intelligence agencies in legal matters. The former accused the latter of using coercion to get desired verdicts in various cases, particularly those involving Imran Khan and the leaders of his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). Also read: Vinay Waikul on working with Sonali Bendre in Broken News, and media's need for course correction The PEMRA notice was released on the same day that the Islamabad High Court questioned the spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), about the purported abduction of Kashmiri poet Ahmad Farhad. The PEMRA announcement was contested at the LHC on Thursday by attorney Samra Malik, who claimed that it was "illegal and violative of Article-19 and 19-A of the Constitution." She asked that the media regulator's "illegal" notice be declared unlawful by the court and postponed until the petition's outcome was determined. “TV channels are directed to refrain from airing tickers/headlines about court proceedings and shall only report the written orders of the court. Don't air content including commentary, opinions or suggestions about the potential fate of sub judice matter which tends to prejudice the determination by a court, tribunal,” PEMRA said in its notification. (With inputs from agencies)

Lahore High Court hears challenge to PEMRA's media reporting ban on court proceedings

Mob violence in Kyrgyzstan: The warning comes amid reports that a few hostels of medical universities in Bishkek, where students from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are staying have been attacked amid the violence.

Pakistan's Ishaq Dar arrives in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek, Dar raises concerns over mob attack

Incidents of mob violence rocked the capital of Kyrgyzstan with attacks on buildings housing foreign students. What led to the violence? Molly Gambhir will get you the details.

Gravitas | What led to the violence in Kyrgyzstan?

Syed Mustafa Kamal, the leader of MQM-P, spoke highly of India in an address to Pakistan's parliament. The political leader also contrasted India's progress with Pakistan's poor state. Gravitas brings you the full story.

Gravitas: Pakistani leader praises India, criticises his country

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is on a 4-day visit to China for strategic dialogue as the country grapples with major economic challenges. Watch in for more details!

Pakistan Deputy PM visits China amid economic crisis, security concerns in CPEC projects

<p>In an effort to revive the country's faltering economy, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced&nbsp;plans on Tuesday (May 14)&nbsp;to privatise all state-owned enterprises (SOEs), with the exception of strategic ones. This&nbsp;initiative is intended to ease the financial strain on the nation, which is facing major&nbsp;economic troubes.</p>

<p>During a review meeting led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, it was announced that the government plans to privatise all state-owned enterprises, expanding beyond the initial proposal to privatise only loss-making firms, as reported by the media. This decision coincides with Pakistan's negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new long-term Extended Fund Facility (EFF).</p>

<p>In his address, Sharif said&nbsp;that the government's primary role should be to foster a favourable environment for business and investment rather than participating directly in commercial activities. He instructed all ministries to work with the Privatisation Commission to support the process.</p>

<p>Among the key enterprises set for privatisation is Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), a chronically loss-making entity that&nbsp;burdens the national budget. Sharif mandated that the privatisation of PIA be broadcast&nbsp;live to ensure transparency during the bidding and sale process.</p>

<p>PIA, which needs 11.5 billion Pakistani rupees monthly just for debt servicing, is one of the top public sector entities incurring substantial losses. The privatisation processes of other institutions will also be televised to maintain transparency.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pok-protests-intensify-despite-sharifs-aid-assurance-721288">Also read |&nbsp;PoK protests intensify despite Sharif's aid assurance</a></p>

<h2><strong>Government unveils privatisation programme 2024-2029</strong></h2>

<p>A roadmap for the Privatisation Programme 2024-2029 was presented during the meeting, highlighting the prioritisation of loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs) for privatisation, according to The Express Tribune. To expedite the process, the government plans to appoint a pre-qualified panel of experts within the Privatisation Commission.</p>

<p>The move towards privatisation has been strongly advocated by the Sharif-led government as essential for alleviating the country's financial strain, The Dawn newspaper reported. Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said, "You have to move towards privatisation if you want economic stability in the country."</p>

<p>The government's decision to limit its involvement to strategic and essential SOEs aligns with recommendations from international institutions like the IMF, which has long urged Pakistan to pursue privatisation to address its fiscal challenges.</p>

<p>Despite making progress in stabilising its economy, Pakistan continues to face significant challenges, including a high fiscal shortfall and stagnant growth.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Protesters call of march in PoK after Pakistan govt accepts charter of demands</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/protesters-call-of-march-in-pok-after-pakistan-govt-accepts-charter-of-demands-721310/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Last summer, Pakistan narrowly avoided default, teetering on the brink of a financial crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In an effort to revive the country's faltering economy, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced plans on Tuesday (May 14) to privatise all state-owned enterprises (SOEs), with the exception of strategic ones.

In an effort to revive the country's faltering economy, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced plans on Tuesday (May 14) to privatise all state-owned enterprises (SOEs), with the exception of strategic ones. This initiative is intended to ease the financial strain on the nation, which is facing major economic troubes. During a review meeting led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, it was announced that the government plans to privatise all state-owned enterprises, expanding beyond the initial proposal to privatise only loss-making firms, as reported by the media. This decision coincides with Pakistan's negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new long-term Extended Fund Facility (EFF). In his address, Sharif said that the government's primary role should be to foster a favourable environment for business and investment rather than participating directly in commercial activities. He instructed all ministries to work with the Privatisation Commission to support the process. Among the key enterprises set for privatisation is Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), a chronically loss-making entity that burdens the national budget. Sharif mandated that the privatisation of PIA be broadcast live to ensure transparency during the bidding and sale process. PIA, which needs 11.5 billion Pakistani rupees monthly just for debt servicing, is one of the top public sector entities incurring substantial losses. The privatisation processes of other institutions will also be televised to maintain transparency. Also read | PoK protests intensify despite Sharif's aid assurance Government unveils privatisation programme 2024-2029 A roadmap for the Privatisation Programme 2024-2029 was presented during the meeting, highlighting the prioritisation of loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs) for privatisation, according to The Express Tribune. To expedite the process, the government plans to appoint a pre-qualified panel of experts within the Privatisation Commission. The move towards privatisation has been strongly advocated by the Sharif-led government as essential for alleviating the country's financial strain, The Dawn newspaper reported. Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said, "You have to move towards privatisation if you want economic stability in the country." The government's decision to limit its involvement to strategic and essential SOEs aligns with recommendations from international institutions like the IMF, which has long urged Pakistan to pursue privatisation to address its fiscal challenges. Despite making progress in stabilising its economy, Pakistan continues to face significant challenges, including a high fiscal shortfall and stagnant growth. Also watch | Protesters call of march in PoK after Pakistan govt accepts charter of demands Last summer, Pakistan narrowly avoided default, teetering on the brink of a financial crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan announces sweeping privatisation plan amid IMF loan negotiations

A prominent Pakistani-American businessman has heaped praise on PM Modi. He hopes that Pakistan gets a leader like PM Modi. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | Pakistani-American businessman: 'Hope Pak gets a leader like PM Modi'

Pakistan is undertaking a significant economic shift by privatising most state-owned enterprises. This move aims to address the financial strain caused by loss-making s-o-e-s and bolster the country's economy.

25 entities listed for privatisation in Pakistan

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Caledonia riots: Macron holds cabinet meet - Zelensky cancels Spain & Portugal visit - Top Hezbollah Commander killed in Lebanon - Thailand: Royal reform activist dies in custody - Chinese Coast Guard shadows Filipino boat - Pakistan readies Fatah-II rocket

Chinese Coast Guard shadows Filipino boat | Pakistan readies Fatah-II rocket

Data reveals Pakistani nationals own property worth approximately $11 billion in Dubai. List includes names of some high profile Pakistani lawmakers including the country's former President Pervez Musharraf and current President Asif Ali Zardari. Watch in for more details!

'Dubai Unlocked’ data leak: Explosive report names top Pakistani lawmakers

Explosive 'Dubai Unlocked' report names top Pakistani lawmakers

Why are so many young people in Pakistan dying by suicide? Mental health experts say at least 50 people are killing themselves in Pakistan every day. Is the Shehbaz Sharif government to be blamed?

Gravitas: Why the young in Pakistan are killing themselves

As protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) enter their fifth day, tensions rise with no end in sight. The protests have quickly escalated from peaceful demonstrations to violent clashes with law enforcement, resulting in the death of 3 people. Watch in for more details!

PoK on boil as protest enters fifth day, 3 dead

The Awami Action Committe (AAC) on Tuesday called off the protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after Pakistan government accepted the charter of demands. Watch in for more details!

PoK protests: Day after $86 MN grant, PoK stir called off

PoK protests: Awami Action Committee calls off protests in PoK, day after $86 grant

Protesters call of march in PoK after Pakistan govt accepts charter of demands

PoK protest enters day 5: Three dead in protesters-police clashes

<p>Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif resigned from his role as President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Monday (May 13).&nbsp;This development follows an announcement by Rana Sanaullah, the President of the PML-N's Punjab chapter, stating that Nawaz Sharif, who has served as Prime Minister three times, will assume leadership of the party, as reported by Geo News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is undergoing a significant leadership transition, with three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif poised to take the helm of the party. The move follows an announcement by Rana Sanaullah, President of the PML-N's Punjab chapter.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the PML-N's central committee is set to convene on May 18 in Lahore at 11:30 am, in accordance with clause 15 of the party constitution. Notices regarding the meeting have been dispatched to the central committee members by PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/democracy-in-action-in-srinagar-but-pok-calls-for-azadi-heres-what-it-means-720891">Also read |&nbsp;Democracy in action in Srinagar but PoK calls for 'Azadi'. Here's what it means</a></p>

<h2><strong>Nawaz Sharif's political journey</strong></h2>

<p>Nawaz Sharif, who previously held the position of Prime Minister, relinquished office in 2017 after a Supreme Court verdict disqualified him from holding public office for life due to failure to declare a receivable salary.</p>

<p>Subsequently, in February 2018, the Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz as President of the PML-N, saying he was&nbsp;ineligible&nbsp;under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution.</p>

<p>Despite his disqualification, Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan from London in October 2023,&nbsp;ending a four-year self-imposed exile.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan records 'wettest April' since 1961</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-records-wettest-april-since-1961-718220/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Party reorganisation and leadership resolution</strong></h2>

<p>In a recent meeting chaired by Nawaz Sharif, the PML-N charted plans for its upcoming general council meeting, scheduled for May 28, 2024. During this gathering, it was decided to propose Nawaz Sharif as the party president, with Khawaja Saad Rafique to serve as secretary general. The resolution formalising Nawaz's presidency will be presented at the general council meeting.</p>

<p>Additionally, the PML-N's Punjab chapter has unanimously passed a resolution endorsing Nawaz Sharif's presidency.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif resigned from his role as President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Monday (May 13). This development follows an announcement by Rana Sanaullah, the President of the PML-N's Punjab chapter, stating that Nawaz Sharif, who has served as Prime Minister three times, will assume leadership of the party, as reported by Geo News.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif resigned from his role as President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Monday (May 13). This development follows an announcement by Rana Sanaullah, the President of the PML-N's Punjab chapter, stating that Nawaz Sharif, who has served as Prime Minister three times, will assume leadership of the party, as reported by Geo News. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is undergoing a significant leadership transition, with three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif poised to take the helm of the party. The move follows an announcement by Rana Sanaullah, President of the PML-N's Punjab chapter. Meanwhile, the PML-N's central committee is set to convene on May 18 in Lahore at 11:30 am, in accordance with clause 15 of the party constitution. Notices regarding the meeting have been dispatched to the central committee members by PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal. Also read | Democracy in action in Srinagar but PoK calls for 'Azadi'. Here's what it means Nawaz Sharif's political journey Nawaz Sharif, who previously held the position of Prime Minister, relinquished office in 2017 after a Supreme Court verdict disqualified him from holding public office for life due to failure to declare a receivable salary. Subsequently, in February 2018, the Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz as President of the PML-N, saying he was ineligible under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution. Despite his disqualification, Nawaz Sharif returned to Pakistan from London in October 2023, ending a four-year self-imposed exile. Also watch | Pakistan records 'wettest April' since 1961 Party reorganisation and leadership resolution In a recent meeting chaired by Nawaz Sharif, the PML-N charted plans for its upcoming general council meeting, scheduled for May 28, 2024. During this gathering, it was decided to propose Nawaz Sharif as the party president, with Khawaja Saad Rafique to serve as secretary general. The resolution formalising Nawaz's presidency will be presented at the general council meeting. Additionally, the PML-N's Punjab chapter has unanimously passed a resolution endorsing Nawaz Sharif's presidency. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ‘resigns’ as PML-N president

Residents of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continues to protest against Pakistani government over heavy taxation, high inflation and electricity shortage. Violent clashes occurred between protesters and police in various parts of Muzaffarabad, the capital of PoK. Watch in for more details!

PoK Protests Day 4: PoK continues to remain on the edge

Pakistan Occupied Kashmir is on the edge. Protests have broken out. Cars are being set on fire, policemen are being chased, beaten up and shot. Protesters have turned towns into battlegrounds. In a first, rangers have been deployed in PoK. Activists want India to intervene.

Gravitas: 'Azadi' chants Pakistan Occupied Kashmir as activists call for India's intervention

One police officer killed, over 100 injured in clashes during protest in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a grant of 24 billion rupees ($86 million) for PoK where there have been several violent protests over inflation. Watch the story to know how the violence is still continuing.

PoK Protests: Pak PM forced to announce $86 mln for PoK

PoK continues to protest inflation, taxation

The Afghan Taliban government has cancelled the visit of a Pakistani government delegation to Kandahar, in response to recent air and missile strikes by Pakistan in Paktika province. The visit was scheduled on Sunday (May 12). Watch in for more details!

Taliban cancels Pakistan delegation's visit to Kandahar

Taliban cancels Pakistan military delegation's visit to Kandahar

Taliban cancels Pakistan military delegation's visit to Kandahar over Pakistan airstrikes

Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is likely to visit Pakistan in the second week of May. This will be the first visit by the Saudi Crown Prince to the country in five years.

Saudi Crown Prince MBS indefinitely postpones Pakistan visit

<p>Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) entered the fourth day on Monday (May 13) amid an unsuccessful clampdown by the Pakistani authorities. The protesters, led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), are protesting against skyrocketing inflation and high electricity bills.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the demonstrations have snowballed into a movement of resistance against Pakistani occupation of the legally Indian territories with the 'Azadi' (freedom) chorus taking over Muzaffarabad and Kotli regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/azadi-chorus-takes-over-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-amid-economic-crisis-720574">'Azadi' chorus takes over PoK amid economic crisis; PM Shehbaz Sharif reacts</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, inside Kashmir across the Line of Control, a large number of voters came out of their homes to exercise their franchise for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat during India's raging election summer in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term in power.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Enthusiastic voters are queuing up across polling stations in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Srinagar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Srinagar</a><br />
<br />
📷CEO J&amp;K<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YouAreTheOne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YouAreTheOne</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeneralElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GeneralElections2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChunavKaParv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChunavKaParv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeshKaGarv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeshKaGarv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InkWaliSelfie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InkWaliSelfie</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vs7PNVlqRL">pic.twitter.com/Vs7PNVlqRL</a></p>
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/1789889206791118922?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>India's Jammu and Kashmir: The Big Picture</strong></h2>

<p>Since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian constitution that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir state, New Delhi has repeatedly gone back to a parliamentary resolution passed in the 1990s, that describes Kashmir's territories under Pakistani and Chinese occupation as illegal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, by starving separatists of their Pakistani funds, New Delhi has managed to stave off Pakistan-sponsored insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir with isolated incidents of terrorism coming up to replace the larger state of insurgency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But across the Line of Control, Pakistan's dire economic straits have blown up a state of resistance that was previously unfathomable for Islamabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/12/430936-pok-1.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><em>Protesters demonstrating in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir | ANI</em></p>

<h2><strong>Protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir: Why they matter?</strong></h2>

<p>They matter because the demonstrations have brought daily life to a standstill. Islamabad has deployed rangers and telecommunication services have been suspended to control the dissent.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PoK continues to protest inflation, taxation</strong></p>

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<p>The protests point to the Pakistani government's purported show of elitism in its administration of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. They further highlight the region's volatile political climate and people's grievances over Pakistan's inadequate governance.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What next?</strong></h2>

<p>The Pakistani government is now engaging with the protest leaders through intermediaries. But if these talks fail, the PoK may see a continued state of unrest that would further challenge Islamabad's authority over occupied territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) entered the fourth day on Monday (May 13) amid an unsuccessful clampdown by the Pakistani authorities. The protesters, led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), are protesting against skyrocketing inflation and high electricity bills.

Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) entered the fourth day on Monday (May 13) amid an unsuccessful clampdown by the Pakistani authorities. The protesters, led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), are protesting against skyrocketing inflation and high electricity bills. But the demonstrations have snowballed into a movement of resistance against Pakistani occupation of the legally Indian territories with the 'Azadi' (freedom) chorus taking over Muzaffarabad and Kotli regions. Also read | 'Azadi' chorus takes over PoK amid economic crisis; PM Shehbaz Sharif reacts Meanwhile, inside Kashmir across the Line of Control, a large number of voters came out of their homes to exercise their franchise for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat during India's raging election summer in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term in power. Enthusiastic voters are queuing up across polling stations in #Srinagar 📷CEO J&K#YouAreTheOne #GeneralElections2024 #ChunavKaParv #DeshKaGarv #LokSabhaElections2024 #InkWaliSelfie pic.twitter.com/Vs7PNVlqRL — Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) May 13, 2024 × India's Jammu and Kashmir: The Big Picture Since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian constitution that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir state, New Delhi has repeatedly gone back to a parliamentary resolution passed in the 1990s, that describes Kashmir's territories under Pakistani and Chinese occupation as illegal. Besides, by starving separatists of their Pakistani funds, New Delhi has managed to stave off Pakistan-sponsored insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir with isolated incidents of terrorism coming up to replace the larger state of insurgency. But across the Line of Control, Pakistan's dire economic straits have blown up a state of resistance that was previously unfathomable for Islamabad. Protesters demonstrating in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir | ANI Protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir: Why they matter? They matter because the demonstrations have brought daily life to a standstill. Islamabad has deployed rangers and telecommunication services have been suspended to control the dissent. Also watch | PoK continues to protest inflation, taxation × The protests point to the Pakistani government's purported show of elitism in its administration of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. They further highlight the region's volatile political climate and people's grievances over Pakistan's inadequate governance. What next? The Pakistani government is now engaging with the protest leaders through intermediaries. But if these talks fail, the PoK may see a continued state of unrest that would further challenge Islamabad's authority over occupied territory. (With inputs from agencies)

Democracy in action in Srinagar but PoK calls for 'Azadi'. Here's what it means

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud much talked about visit to Pakistan has been deferred for unspecified reasons. Mohammed bin Salman was expected to visit the cash-strapped nation before making his visit to Japan. Watch in for more details!

Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman postpones Pakistan visit

Protests have gripped Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Residents are clashing with security officials. Activists are up in arms against the Pakistani government. Why is there an uproar in PoK? Is PoK edging towards a merger with India? Watch this video for all details.

Why is there uproar in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK)?

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