PoK on the boil: Why Shehbaz Sharif army killing people, thousands hit the streets... What are the key grievances?
The violence was directly connected to protests organised by Joint Awami Action Committee. JAAC is a civil society coalition that Pak authorities recently declared a banned organisation.
PoK on the boil: Why Shehbaz Sharif army killing people, thousands hit the streets... What are the key grievances? | Image: X
- The protests initially started over rising electricity bills and inflation.
- Analysts say the movement has now expanded beyond economic issues.
- Demonstrators are raising concerns about governance and political rights in PoJK.
- Protest leaders are demanding greater accountability, transparency and public participation in decision-making.
- The recent deaths during clashes have further intensified the movement.
- Protest rallies and solidarity events have been reported across PoJK.
PoK On The Boil: Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is witnessing one of the most violent series of unrest in recent years. Violent clashes between local people and the Pakistan army in recent days have left several dead and dozens injured. The current protest has marked the latest escalation in a movement that has been garnering momentum in recent years. Led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the unrest showcases growing anger over economic hardship, lack of political representation and what activists term as growing curbs on their freedom.
The current turmoil has also triggered a situation of a political crisis for the Pak government and also has drawn criticism from rights groups.
What Triggered The Massive Unrest In PoK?
More than 100 people have been killed and several have sustained injuries since violent clashes broke out between local people and the Pakistan Army in several parts of PoK. Rawalakot has emerged as the centre of the unrest, with several people from different areas reaching there to join the ongoing protest.
The Unrest
The violence was linked to demonstrations organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). According to Reuters, after clashes, authorities imposed a curfew and suspended internet in parts of the region. A crackdown on protest leaders has also been launched.
JAAC is a civil society coalition which is recently declared a banned organisation by the Pakistani authorities.
The committee first gained popularity in 2024 when protests forced authorities to announce subsidies on electricity and flour. Protest leaders said that several promises remain unfulfilled and concerns over governance have not been addressed.
The deaths during recent clashes have further intensified public anger. Protesters raised questions over using excessive force.
Pak officials have maintained that security measures were necessary to maintain law and order.
A Demand Charter, Then A Ban
The JAAC was founded in September 2023. It is a coalition of senior lawyers, traders, transporters and students. It has emerged as the most credible grassroot platform in PoK.
JAAC announced a region-wide shutdown and a long march for June 9 over 38 demands, including abolition of 12 seats in the PoK assembly which is reserved for refugees from Indian Kashmir. These seats were long used by the Pak government to install a captive block in Muzaffarabad assembly.
Out of the 53 seats, 12 are manipulated directly from Islamabad, Hindustan Times reported, citing sources.
The Violence
On June 8 in Rawalakot, Pak Rangers confronted JAAC supporters who were gathered at a hospital mortuary to attend the funeral for those killed earlier. According to sources, at least 23 civilians were killed and over 32 sustained injuries in Rawalakot the JAAC's overall toll across the unrest stands at 27 dead.
According to Pak officials, 11 persons were killed seven civilians sustained injuries. However, some news outlets put the figure at "more than 30".
Authorities suspended internet services across PoK and sealed JAAC office. A curfew was also implemented to disperse the crowd.
Assembly elections are scheduled for July 27.
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