PoK Protests: People across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are observing a shutdown while demanding justice for protesters killed during clashes. The region has witnessed continued unrest, with markets and businesses closed amid growing public anger.

The shutdown comes as protest groups continue to raise demands over governance, political representation and accountability following the deaths during the unrest.

Watch the full report for the latest developments from PoK, the shutdown across the region and the growing demands for justice.

PoK Demands Justice for Killed Protesters, People Observe Shutdown Across the Region

A British national was allegedly shot dead in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during clashes between security forces and protesters this week. The cases were reported by the Guardian as it highlight how the unrest in the PoK region has affected British nationals with family links to the area. The man has been identified by Mohammad Akhtar, a 50-year-old resident of Peterborough, who was in Kotli when violence broke out on June 9. His family said that he was not participating in the protests and was staying near the area where demonstrations were taking place.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-pakistan-minister-facing-uk-sexual-assault-case-elected-to-pok-assembly-1785940424326">Former Pakistan minister facing UK sexual assault case elected to PoK assembly</a>&nbsp;According to his cousin Mohammad Saad who spoke to the Guardian, Pakistani security forces opened fire on a gathering of protesters demanding economic and electoral reforms. "He wasn't taking part in protests but the demonstrations were happening close to his house. There was firing by the forces that day and he was hit by a stray bullet. There was a bullet wound on the side of his chest," said Saad, adding that Akhtar's children decided not to pursue the matter with British authorities. The family was unable to get a police complaint registered in PoK and feared that drawing attention to the case could put them at further risk, Saad added.&nbsp;The unrest has centred on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society group that launched protests demanding reforms in PoK months before voting began in the region on July 27. Pakistan has declared JAAC a terrorist organisation and imposed a communications blackout in the region since June 5.Security forces have been accused of killing at least 30 people during last month's demonstrations. The Pakistani government has rejected the allegations.JAAC has accused Islamabad of trying to crush dissent and said scores of its supporters have been detained. The group has described the elections as a "sham", being held “at gunpoint.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pok-polls-pakistan-postpones-third-phase-voting-amid-ongoing-unrest-1786113957329">PoK polls: Pakistan postpones third phase voting amid ongoing unrest</a>&nbsp;There's another British man involved in crisis in PoK. He has been identified as Waqas Arif, a 38-year-old British national from Nottingham. Arif was detained in Mirpur, a city in PoK, following protests on June 5. His family insists that he was not involved in the demonstrations. "There is no charge. He hasn't done anything. This is my brother, but I think there are thousands of other brothers like him from everywhere who they have put in [prison] so they can minimise the protest power ... they have not even been taken to court," his sister said. Arif's wife, Varisha Kampulvi, said British officials had also been unable to speak directly to him since his detention at a prison in Mirpur.&nbsp;

Two British nationals with family ties to PoK have been affected by unrest in the region. Mohammad Akhtar was allegedly killed by a stray bullet during protests, while Waqas Arif has remained detained for over two months. The UK has raised concerns with Pakistan.

A British national was allegedly shot dead in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during clashes between security forces and protesters this week. The cases were reported by the Guardian as it highlight how the unrest in the PoK region has affected British nationals with family links to the area. The man has been identified by Mohammad Akhtar, a 50-year-old resident of Peterborough, who was in Kotli when violence broke out on June 9. His family said that he was not participating in the protests and was staying near the area where demonstrations were taking place. Also Read: Former Pakistan minister facing UK sexual assault case elected to PoK assembly According to his cousin Mohammad Saad who spoke to the Guardian, Pakistani security forces opened fire on a gathering of protesters demanding economic and electoral reforms. "He wasn't taking part in protests but the demonstrations were happening close to his house. There was firing by the forces that day and he was hit by a stray bullet. There was a bullet wound on the side of his chest," said Saad, adding that Akhtar's children decided not to pursue the matter with British authorities. The family was unable to get a police complaint registered in PoK and feared that drawing attention to the case could put them at further risk, Saad added. The unrest has centred on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society group that launched protests demanding reforms in PoK months before voting began in the region on July 27. Pakistan has declared JAAC a terrorist organisation and imposed a communications blackout in the region since June 5. Security forces have been accused of killing at least 30 people during last month's demonstrations. The Pakistani government has rejected the allegations. JAAC has accused Islamabad of trying to crush dissent and said scores of its supporters have been detained. The group has described the elections as a "sham", being held “at gunpoint.” Also Read: PoK polls: Pakistan postpones third phase voting amid ongoing unrest There's another British man involved in crisis in PoK. He has been identified as Waqas Arif, a 38-year-old British national from Nottingham. Arif was detained in Mirpur, a city in PoK, following protests on June 5. His family insists that he was not involved in the demonstrations. "There is no charge. He hasn't done anything. This is my brother, but I think there are thousands of other brothers like him from everywhere who they have put in [prison] so they can minimise the protest power ... they have not even been taken to court," his sister said. Arif's wife, Varisha Kampulvi, said British officials had also been unable to speak directly to him since his detention at a prison in Mirpur.

Two British nationals with family ties to PoK have been affected by unrest in the region. Mohammad Akhtar was allegedly killed by a stray bullet during protests, while Waqas Arif has remained detained for over two months. The UK has raised concerns with Pakistan.

British national allegedly shot dead in PoK clashes, family says 'he was not part of protest'

Twenty days after Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) erupted in mass protests, the movement's leadership has set a hard deadline and is warning of a "major announcement" if Islamabad does not act. The Joint Awami Action Committee, banned by the Pakistani government on June 5, said on Sunday that if their demands were not met by 8 Muharram, the organisation would escalate. In a statement issued directly by the JAAC, the committee urged residents to maintain voluntary shutdown strikes, wheel-jam protests, and sit-ins, while calling on the public to remain peaceful under all circumstances."The rulers can go to any extent to make their conspiracies succeed," the statement read, "but we must be clear in our minds that our focus is only and only our demands."The committee also warned that deliberate propaganda would be used to divert attention from the movement's core objectives, and that the struggle would continue regardless. "This is a people's movement," the statement said. "As long as the last one of us is alive, there will be neither a shortage of leadership nor any compromise on demands."The warning came as the committee acknowledged publicly what it called an irreversible cost of the loss of young lives it described as martyrs, and dozens of families it said had been destroyed by the crackdown. "We lost our precious youth forever," the statement said. "Now, this is the time for steadfastness."Drug mafias, blockades, and a movement under siegeThe most explosive allegation came from JAAC organiser Khawaja Mehran, who went live on Facebook on June 12, during a public rally at midnight, accusing Pakistan's Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence of orchestrating the violence on behalf of drug trafficking networks. In the broadcast, video of which has circulated widely among supporters, Mehran claimed to possess evidence linking these networks to two named senior Pakistan military officers operating in the region.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-military-lawmakers-of-china-stripped-off-their-posts-amid-xi-jinping-s-deepening-anti-corruption-drive-1782578304014">Six military lawmakers of China stripped off their posts amid Xi Jinping's deepening anti-corruption drive</a>WION has not independently verified Mehran's claims. They are presented here as allegations made publicly by a JAAC organiser, not as established fact.Furthermore, Trucks carrying food and essential supplies remain stranded at the territory's entry points, the JAAC said. The blockade has entered its twelfth day with no resolution in sight. Each side blames the other for the breakdown, and with no talks imminent and a deadline now on the table, the standoff in what India regards as its illegally occupied territory is edging toward a new and uncertain phase where Pakistan is brutally crushing basic human rights.The deadline announcement adds a new pressure point to a crisis that has already turned deadly. Security forces have killed at least 11 protesters since the government banned the JAAC on June 5, with more than 200 others injured in the crackdown that followed, according to local media reports. Internet services across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have remained suspended since the same date, cutting residents off even as the movement deepened. (<a href="https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wionews.com%2Findia-news%2Fprotests-intensify-in-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-after-govt-bans-primary-advocacy-body-jaac-ahead-of-elections-1780835112422&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cgulshan.parveen%40wionews.com%7Cb019bd14ef0a471cc82508ded05a2257%7Cd9454a4401f64fa99ad115ee73b1b80d%7C0%7C0%7C639177282792759320%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=6T4aGWI8qbn3XvFqRreVCyxmo8xuhvpq8NmffCplL50%3D&amp;reserved=0">To know&nbsp;in&nbsp;detail about&nbsp;the&nbsp;background of&nbsp;the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;and&nbsp;the&nbsp;demands raised read our earlier reporting</a>.)

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's now banned JAAC has set an 8 Muharram deadline, warning of a "major announcement" if demands go unmet. A JAAC organiser has publicly alleged Army and ISI collaboration with drug mafias to kill protest leaders. 

Twenty days after Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) erupted in mass protests, the movement's leadership has set a hard deadline and is warning of a "major announcement" if Islamabad does not act. The Joint Awami Action Committee, banned by the Pakistani government on June 5, said on Sunday that if their demands were not met by 8 Muharram, the organisation would escalate. In a statement issued directly by the JAAC, the committee urged residents to maintain voluntary shutdown strikes, wheel-jam protests, and sit-ins, while calling on the public to remain peaceful under all circumstances. "The rulers can go to any extent to make their conspiracies succeed," the statement read, "but we must be clear in our minds that our focus is only and only our demands." The committee also warned that deliberate propaganda would be used to divert attention from the movement's core objectives, and that the struggle would continue regardless. "This is a people's movement," the statement said. "As long as the last one of us is alive, there will be neither a shortage of leadership nor any compromise on demands." The warning came as the committee acknowledged publicly what it called an irreversible cost of the loss of young lives it described as martyrs, and dozens of families it said had been destroyed by the crackdown. "We lost our precious youth forever," the statement said. "Now, this is the time for steadfastness." Drug mafias, blockades, and a movement under siege The most explosive allegation came from JAAC organiser Khawaja Mehran, who went live on Facebook on June 12, during a public rally at midnight, accusing Pakistan's Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence of orchestrating the violence on behalf of drug trafficking networks. In the broadcast, video of which has circulated widely among supporters, Mehran claimed to possess evidence linking these networks to two named senior Pakistan military officers operating in the region. Also read: Six military lawmakers of China stripped off their posts amid Xi Jinping's deepening anti-corruption drive WION has not independently verified Mehran's claims. They are presented here as allegations made publicly by a JAAC organiser, not as established fact. Furthermore, Trucks carrying food and essential supplies remain stranded at the territory's entry points, the JAAC said. The blockade has entered its twelfth day with no resolution in sight. Each side blames the other for the breakdown, and with no talks imminent and a deadline now on the table, the standoff in what India regards as its illegally occupied territory is edging toward a new and uncertain phase where Pakistan is brutally crushing basic human rights. The deadline announcement adds a new pressure point to a crisis that has already turned deadly. Security forces have killed at least 11 protesters since the government banned the JAAC on June 5, with more than 200 others injured in the crackdown that followed, according to local media reports. Internet services across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have remained suspended since the same date, cutting residents off even as the movement deepened. (To know in detail about the background of the protests and the demands raised read our earlier reporting.)

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's now banned JAAC has set an 8 Muharram deadline, warning of a "major announcement" if demands go unmet. A JAAC organiser has publicly alleged Army and ISI collaboration with drug mafias to kill protest leaders.&nbsp;

Drug mafias, food blockades, internet blackouts: How Pakistan is bulldozing  protesters in Occupied Kashmir? And losing the clock

Tensions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have spilled into British politics, with dozens of UK MPs pressing the British government to address a violent crackdown on protesters that has left multiple people dead and triggered communications blackouts.The unrest erupted in early June 2026, centred on Rawalakot in the occupied region of Kashmir.Protests organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society alliance, demanded subsidised flour and electricity, greater political rights, and an end to what demonstrators call exploitative governance from Islamabad. Authorities banned the JAAC under anti-terror laws, citing threats to public order.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">PoK unrest deepens: Dozens killed in violent clashes with police Thousands join anti-government sit-in protest in Rawalkot Trucks carrying essentials held at checkpoints, barred from entering PoK <a href="https://x.com/JyotsnaKumar13?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JyotsnaKumar13</a> has more details <a href="https://t.co/2igrC2cYjW">pic.twitter.com/2igrC2cYjW</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2070686154144289169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-26-11-terrorist-hafiz-saeed-s-aides-seen-at-funeral-of-shoaib-akhtar-s-brother-1782559152836">26/11 terrorist Hafiz Saeed's aides seen at funeral of Shoaib Akhtar's brother</a>&nbsp;Clashes intensified on 7-8 June when mourners gathered outside a hospital morgue in Rawalakot following the death of a JAAC activist, Shahzeb Habib, reportedly shot by police days earlier. Overall reports indicate several deaths, but some independent accounts and activist claims suggest significantly higher civilian casualties, alongside mass arrests, including of women and children. Internet and mobile services were heavily restricted, creating a communications blackout that hindered information flow and contact with relatives.The issue has ignited concern in the UK, home to a large number of people with links to the occupied region. On 6 June, Bradford East MP Imran Hussain, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir, led nearly 30 MPs (with some reports citing over 50 signatories) in writing to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. The letter highlighted arrests, including those of British nationals, the blackout's impact on families, and a breakdown in dialogue. It urged the UK to engage diplomatically for de-escalation, lift restrictions, support British nationals, and promote peaceful resolution.Prominent MPs including Bob Blackman have publicly condemned the use of live ammunition against civilians, calling for accountability and noting evidence of British nationals among the injured. Protests by PoK activists have occurred outside the Pakistani consulate in Bradford and near the UK Parliament, amplifying calls for intervention.Pakistan has rejected the MPs' intervention as "unwarranted," accusing them of disregarding the context and urging the UK to caution its parliamentarians. The statement by Pakistan is seen as a threat. British MP for Peterborough, UK, Mr Andrew Pakes in a recent gathering, said, "it is my duty to speak out against the human rights abuses. The Pakistani government has put out a statement threatening the British MPs for speaking about human rights, peace, and reconciliation."Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-showed-us-what-it-could-do-and-it-s-scary-congressman-andrew-garbarino-on-anthropic-mythos-model-demo-claude-ai-news-1782552364247">'They showed us...and it's scary': Congressman on Anthropic Mythos model demo</a>The matter has been raised by the British MPs with the UK's Middle East Hamish Falconer. Falconer was also in Pakistan and met Pakistan's foreign minister, Ishaq Dar. The Pakistani govt has also lodged a formal complaint with BBC Urdu over its reportage on the deteriorating situation in PoK.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has ignited fierce controversy with remarks questioning the Kashmiri identity of residents in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), amid ongoing protests. In a television interview, Asif stated that Rawalakot "is not Kashmir" and that he did not consider its people "proper Kashmiris". Asif has refused to apologise, deepening political tensions in the region.

Dozens of UK MPs have demanded British government intervention following violent crackdowns, civilian deaths, and communications blackouts during civil rights protests in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, sparking diplomatic friction.

Tensions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have spilled into British politics, with dozens of UK MPs pressing the British government to address a violent crackdown on protesters that has left multiple people dead and triggered communications blackouts. The unrest erupted in early June 2026, centred on Rawalakot in the occupied region of Kashmir. Protests organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society alliance, demanded subsidised flour and electricity, greater political rights, and an end to what demonstrators call exploitative governance from Islamabad. Authorities banned the JAAC under anti-terror laws, citing threats to public order.

Dozens of UK MPs have demanded British government intervention following violent crackdowns, civilian deaths, and communications blackouts during civil rights protests in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, sparking diplomatic friction.

As Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir burns, UK's politics faces heat as MPs raise the matter

More than 15 people, including 11 civilians and four security personnel, have been killed in violent clashes between protesters and security forces amid demands for economic relief and governance reforms. As unrest escalated, Islamabad reportedly deployed around 14,000 troops to contain the rapidly deteriorating situation and restore order.


How Asim Munir Is Trying to Crush PoK Protesters 

In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), tensions flared on Friday (May 10) as locals protested against harsh economic conditions and taxes imposed by Pakistan.

The protests as per news agency ANI were met with severe suppression by Pakistani defence forces.&nbsp;

<h2>Protests against inflation</h2>

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had called for protests on May 11, yet residents in various cities including Muzafarabad, Kotli, Dadayal, Rawalakot, Hajira, Bhimbar, and Bagh took to the streets a day earlier.&nbsp;

Police, as per the Dawn also fired tear-gas shells at the protesting crowd. Some shells landed in a nearby school, injuring young girls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahmedabad-bomb-threat-hoax-mails-sent-to-schools-traced-to-pakistan-720243">Ahmedabad bomb threat: Hoax mails sent to schools traced to Pakistan</a>

This happened as the Pakistani administration deployed additional forces to crush the planned protests and a long march, announced by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee. The arrest of 70 activists also angered people, media reports suggest, leading to protests a day earlier.

Inflation, the scarcity of essential commodities like flour and wheat, excessive power cuts, rising unemployment, and chronic infrastructural neglect sparked the protests. Despite longstanding grievances, demonstrators argue that the Pakistani administration remains dismissive of their plight.

<h2>Pakistan's violence against the people</h2>

A local leader during a protest voiced the community's frustration, condemning the aggressive tactics used by law enforcement. "The level of violence that the law enforcement agencies have employed in PoK is unacceptable and we are protesting here for the same. But we will always continue our protest peacefully, as we are peace-loving people," the leader stated.

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Protests and crackdown continues in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) <a href="https://t.co/yzGoGPV5qo">pic.twitter.com/yzGoGPV5qo</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1789154822748549137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"We peacefully are demanding our basic rights, like subsidies on flour and wheat. However, the protests suppressed by the Pakistani defence personnel resulted in shelling and baton charges. This led to several protestors getting severely injured and harassment of the local people," they added.

In Bagh, another leader criticised the government's decision to deploy defence forces to stifle the protests, leading to a forceful reaction from the community including a long march.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-indian-student-missing-in-us-family-scrambles-to-find-clues-about-rupesh-chintakindis-whereabouts-719662">Another Indian student goes missing in US; family alleges Chicago police 'not responding properly'</a>

"The administration of PoJK demanded the deployment of defence personnel to suppress the protest being organised by the general public for resolution of their issues. The people of Bagh retaliated against this act of suppression and organised a long march against it. We express our solidarity with the protest invoked by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on May 11. We will protest peacefully but the use of defence personnel for suppression is unacceptable."

Prominent Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir highlighted the severity of the protests on X (formerly Twitter), noting that thousands had defied the colonial-era black law, Section 144, to demand tax-free electricity from Mangla Dam and subsidies on wheat flour.&nbsp;

"This is Muzaffarabad today. Thousands of Kashmiris violated the old colonial black law section 144. They came out from their homes on feet. No transport was used due to the wheel jam strike. They are demanding tax-free electricity from Mangla dam and subsidy on wheat flour" Mir posted.

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This is Muzaffarabad today. Thousands of Kashmiris violated the old colonial black law section144. They came out from their homes on feet. No transport was used due to wheel jam strike. They are demanding tax free electricity from Mangla dam and subsidy on wheat flour. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/2aNuSyP9ou">pic.twitter.com/2aNuSyP9ou</a>
— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) <a href="https://twitter.com/HamidMirPAK/status/1788901987825713320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, the situation escalated when the Frontier Corps deployed hundreds of troops to PoK, leading to violent clashes that saw 18 protestors detained and several instances of violence, including an attack on the Assistant Commissioner of the Dadyal area. Additionally, a shutter down strike was initiated by local leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir of the JAAC, signifying a further intensification of the civil unrest.

(With inputs from agencies)

In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), tensions flared on Friday (May 10) as locals protested against harsh economic conditions and taxes imposed by Pakistan. The protests as per news agency ANI were met with severe suppression by Pakistani defence forces.

In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), tensions flared on Friday (May 10) as locals protested against harsh economic conditions and taxes imposed by Pakistan. The protests as per news agency ANI were met with severe suppression by Pakistani defence forces. Protests against inflation The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had called for protests on May 11, yet residents in various cities including Muzafarabad, Kotli, Dadayal, Rawalakot, Hajira, Bhimbar, and Bagh took to the streets a day earlier. Police, as per the Dawn also fired tear-gas shells at the protesting crowd. Some shells landed in a nearby school, injuring young girls. Also read | Ahmedabad bomb threat: Hoax mails sent to schools traced to Pakistan This happened as the Pakistani administration deployed additional forces to crush the planned protests and a long march, announced by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee. The arrest of 70 activists also angered people, media reports suggest, leading to protests a day earlier. Inflation, the scarcity of essential commodities like flour and wheat, excessive power cuts, rising unemployment, and chronic infrastructural neglect sparked the protests. Despite longstanding grievances, demonstrators argue that the Pakistani administration remains dismissive of their plight. Pakistan's violence against the people A local leader during a protest voiced the community's frustration, condemning the aggressive tactics used by law enforcement. "The level of violence that the law enforcement agencies have employed in PoK is unacceptable and we are protesting here for the same. But we will always continue our protest peacefully, as we are peace-loving people," the leader stated. Protests and crackdown continues in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) pic.twitter.com/yzGoGPV5qo — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) May 11, 2024 × "We peacefully are demanding our basic rights, like subsidies on flour and wheat. However, the protests suppressed by the Pakistani defence personnel resulted in shelling and baton charges. This led to several protestors getting severely injured and harassment of the local people," they added. In Bagh, another leader criticised the government's decision to deploy defence forces to stifle the protests, leading to a forceful reaction from the community including a long march. Also read | Another Indian student goes missing in US; family alleges Chicago police 'not responding properly' "The administration of PoJK demanded the deployment of defence personnel to suppress the protest being organised by the general public for resolution of their issues. The people of Bagh retaliated against this act of suppression and organised a long march against it. We express our solidarity with the protest invoked by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on May 11. We will protest peacefully but the use of defence personnel for suppression is unacceptable." Prominent Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir highlighted the severity of the protests on X (formerly Twitter), noting that thousands had defied the colonial-era black law, Section 144, to demand tax-free electricity from Mangla Dam and subsidies on wheat flour. "This is Muzaffarabad today. Thousands of Kashmiris violated the old colonial black law section 144. They came out from their homes on feet. No transport was used due to the wheel jam strike. They are demanding tax-free electricity from Mangla dam and subsidy on wheat flour" Mir posted. This is Muzaffarabad today. Thousands of Kashmiris violated the old colonial black law section144. They came out from their homes on feet. No transport was used due to wheel jam strike. They are demanding tax free electricity from Mangla dam and subsidy on wheat flour. #Kashmir pic.twitter.com/2aNuSyP9ou — Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) May 10, 2024 × Earlier, the situation escalated when the Frontier Corps deployed hundreds of troops to PoK, leading to violent clashes that saw 18 protestors detained and several instances of violence, including an attack on the Assistant Commissioner of the Dadyal area. Additionally, a shutter down strike was initiated by local leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir of the JAAC, signifying a further intensification of the civil unrest. (With inputs from agencies)

Protests erupt in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir over inflation and other economic hardships

The 'Haq Do Tehreek' (Gwadar Rights Movement), led by Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman have given an ultimatum to the Chinese stationed inside the Gwadar Port compound to leave by December 22.

Gwadar protest leader warns Chinese citizens to leave by December 22

Thousands of people took to the streets in the port city of Gwadar in Pakistan, fighting for the rights of people in Balochistan. This was the latest amid an ongoing protest movement that was launched to put pressure on the Pakistan government.

Water, electricity shortage triggered protests, thousands march on the main roads in Gwadar

Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of the ongoing protests against the police crackdown on peaceful demonstrations last month that claimed the lives of one person and injured several others in the region.

Protesters alleged that the crackdown has become the modus operandi of the establishment which uses brute force to muzzle all kinds of opinions and dissents in the region.

They alleged that the incident was nothing short of the mayhem unleashed by Pakistani forces in 1947 when they invaded their territory.

Afzal Suleria, Leader of National Students Federation in Muzaffarabad said, "Our state was divided into many when the tribal attack took place in 1947. The history was repeated. There was a situation of violence and plunder. Women were targeted. Houses were shelled with ammunition."

"Children were charged with baton. Innocents were attacked. One common citizen Aslam Abbasi was killed. No judicial commission has been formed till date and the culprits have not been prosecuted. They were never brought to justice and no FIR was registered".

Various political parties under the All independent parties alliance (AIPA) in PoK had called for a pro-freedom rally in Muzaffarabad on October 22 to observe "black day". It was on this day in 1947 that Pakistani forces had invaded Jammu and Kashmir.

People had come out on the streets in large numbers to register their protest on the 72nd anniversary of the Invasion Day.

Denying the demonstrators to hold anti-government protestors, the police resorted to using tear gas shells and lathi-charged to disperse the crowd.

Muzaffar Baig, another leader of the National Students Federation said while addressing a gathering, "They have their power of influence on common people, be he a businessman, farmer, labourer, or common dweller. Police exercise its authority only on commoners."

He added, "You think we are going to be scared of them? If you are a believer of any religion, for example, you are a Muslim then prepare yourself to sacrifice for Allah. We are not going to be scared of these monsters. We are not getting scared of these people who earn Rs 20,000- 30,000 but don't hesitate in taking ten rupees from a poor man".

While anti-establishment demonstrations and protests is a common sight in the PoK, the last few weeks have presented a different picture altogether.

Unprecedented support and the unflinching morale of the people have certainly rung alarm bells for Islamabad.

At a time when Imran Khan Government is already facing a massive political resistance, an impending change in PoK cannot be ruled out.

 
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Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of the ongoing protests against the police crackdown on peaceful demonstrations last month that claimed the lives of one person and injured several others in the region.

Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of the ongoing protests against the police crackdown on peaceful demonstrations last month that claimed the lives of one person and injured several others in the region. Protesters alleged that the crackdown has become the modus operandi of the establishment which uses brute force to muzzle all kinds of opinions and dissents in the region. They alleged that the incident was nothing short of the mayhem unleashed by Pakistani forces in 1947 when they invaded their territory. Afzal Suleria, Leader of National Students Federation in Muzaffarabad said, "Our state was divided into many when the tribal attack took place in 1947. The history was repeated. There was a situation of violence and plunder. Women were targeted. Houses were shelled with ammunition." "Children were charged with baton. Innocents were attacked. One common citizen Aslam Abbasi was killed. No judicial commission has been formed till date and the culprits have not been prosecuted. They were never brought to justice and no FIR was registered". Various political parties under the All independent parties alliance (AIPA) in PoK had called for a pro-freedom rally in Muzaffarabad on October 22 to observe "black day". It was on this day in 1947 that Pakistani forces had invaded Jammu and Kashmir. People had come out on the streets in large numbers to register their protest on the 72nd anniversary of the Invasion Day. Denying the demonstrators to hold anti-government protestors, the police resorted to using tear gas shells and lathi-charged to disperse the crowd. Muzaffar Baig, another leader of the National Students Federation said while addressing a gathering, "They have their power of influence on common people, be he a businessman, farmer, labourer, or common dweller. Police exercise its authority only on commoners." He added, "You think we are going to be scared of them? If you are a believer of any religion, for example, you are a Muslim then prepare yourself to sacrifice for Allah. We are not going to be scared of these monsters. We are not getting scared of these people who earn Rs 20,000- 30,000 but don't hesitate in taking ten rupees from a poor man". While anti-establishment demonstrations and protests is a common sight in the PoK, the last few weeks have presented a different picture altogether. Unprecedented support and the unflinching morale of the people have certainly rung alarm bells for Islamabad. At a time when Imran Khan Government is already facing a massive political resistance, an impending change in PoK cannot be ruled out.

Widespread protests in PoK ring alarm bells for Islamabad

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continue to protest against the Pakistan Army and the government, forcing the latter to stop cross-border firing.

The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and other political parties jointly held a protest rally from Tetri Mor to Mazarpur.

The police carried out a baton charge and opened fire on the protesters. In retaliation, the locals attacked army posts and set them on fire.

In Muzaffarabad, the inhabitants carried out a protest against police and army brutality.&nbsp &nbsp&nbsp

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/baloch-republican-party-holds-anti-pakistan-protest-in-geneva-35082">Baloch Republican Party holds </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/baloch-republican-party-holds-anti-pakistan-protest-in-geneva-35082">anti-Pakistan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/baloch-republican-party-holds-anti-pakistan-protest-in-geneva-35082"> protest in Geneva</a>

"Pakistan's intelli gence agencies are forcing an action committee at the ceasefire line to not hold any protest against the exchange of mortar shells. They are putting pressure on them which resulted in a baton charge by the police on peaceful protesters. It is unfortunate that the locals are being used as human shields. They are using their homes to fire gunshots and mortar shells across the border. The return fire comes directly to these houses, resulting in heavy casualties," PoK activist Mir Afzal Suleria said.

"For the past 70 years, the army claims to be here for our protection, but why are they using us as shields to carry out attacks. It shows that the government is deliberately wanting people to die so that they get a chance to promote their propaganda. We condemn it and nationalists in PoK are united in launching a protest against the Pakistan and PoK governments," he added.

The protesters blamed the federal government and Prime Minister of PoK, Raja Farooq Haider for ceasefire violations and deliberately provoking India for cross firing.

They also blamed the Pakistan Army for using civilians as human shields.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-pashtuns-carry-out-anti-pakistan-protest-wont-move-till-demands-met-31716">Islamabad: Pashtuns carry out anti-Pakistan protest, won't move till demands met</a>

"I want to ask Raja Farooq Haider, has the Pakistan Army been able to take an inch of land from India? No, they have not taken. And, in future also, they will not be able to take an inch of land. Farooq Haider wishes India to do firing on civilians so that he can get a chance to do propaganda. We regret his line of thinking," Afzal said.

On March 16, similar protests were held in the Poonch area of PoK, in which two political activists were killed in police firing and many were seriously injured.

The protesters blamed the federal government and Prime Minister of PoK, Raja Farooq Haider for ceasefire violations and deliberately provoking India for cross firing

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continue to protest against the Pakistan Army and the government, forcing the latter to stop cross-border firing. The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and other political parties jointly held a protest rally from Tetri Mor to Mazarpur. The police carried out a baton charge and opened fire on the protesters. In retaliation, the locals attacked army posts and set them on fire. In Muzaffarabad, the inhabitants carried out a protest against police and army brutality. Also read: Baloch Republican Party holds anti-Pakistan protest in Geneva "Pakistan's intelli gence agencies are forcing an action committee at the ceasefire line to not hold any protest against the exchange of mortar shells. They are putting pressure on them which resulted in a baton charge by the police on peaceful protesters. It is unfortunate that the locals are being used as human shields. They are using their homes to fire gunshots and mortar shells across the border. The return fire comes directly to these houses, resulting in heavy casualties," PoK activist Mir Afzal Suleria said. "For the past 70 years, the army claims to be here for our protection, but why are they using us as shields to carry out attacks. It shows that the government is deliberately wanting people to die so that they get a chance to promote their propaganda. We condemn it and nationalists in PoK are united in launching a protest against the Pakistan and PoK governments," he added. The protesters blamed the federal government and Prime Minister of PoK, Raja Farooq Haider for ceasefire violations and deliberately provoking India for cross firing. They also blamed the Pakistan Army for using civilians as human shields. Also read: Islamabad: Pashtuns carry out anti-Pakistan protest, won't move till demands met "I want to ask Raja Farooq Haider, has the Pakistan Army been able to take an inch of land from India? No, they have not taken. And, in future also, they will not be able to take an inch of land. Farooq Haider wishes India to do firing on civilians so that he can get a chance to do propaganda. We regret his line of thinking," Afzal said. On March 16, similar protests were held in the Poonch area of PoK, in which two political activists were killed in police firing and many were seriously injured.

PoK residents protest against Pak brutalities

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