PoK JAAC Protest: Tensions have escalated in PoK as thousands of people joined a major protest march towards Muzaffarabad, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The protests entered a critical phase after the group’s deadline for Islamabad to address its demands expired.Â
The protest movement, which began over economic hardships, governance issues and political representation, has grown into one of the biggest public mobilisations seen in the region in recent years. The situation worsened after clashes between protesters and Pakistani security forces reportedly left at least 8 protesters dead.Â
Pakistan has increased security deployment across PoK, with reports suggesting around 16,000 personnel have been stationed in the region to manage the unrest.Â
PoK JAAC Protest: What is the Protest About?
The ongoing protest in PoK is being led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). This civil rights group has raised concerns over economic conditions, governance and political representation in the region.
The protesters are demanding relief from rising living costs, cheaper electricity, affordable food supplies and improvements in public services. They have also raised objections over political structures that they claim limit the representation of local communities.
The march towards Muzaffarabad represents an escalation of these demands, with protesters seeking direct action from the Pakistan government.
PoK JAAC Protest: What Are JAAC’s 38 Demands?
The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has presented a 38-point charter focusing on economic relief, political reforms, governance changes, and improvements in public services in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The key demands raised by the group include:
Economic & Utility-Related Demands
- Electricity supply at lower rates based on local hydropower production costs.
- Reduction in electricity tariffs.
- Removal or reduction of additional electricity taxes.
- Subsidised wheat flour and reduction in flour prices.
- Reduction in prices of essential commodities.
- Control over inflation and rising living costs.
- Reduction in unnecessary taxes on basic goods.
- Affordable gas and fuel prices.
Governance & Accountability Demands
- Reduction in government expenses and official privileges.
- Ending what protesters describe as VIP culture.
- Greater accountability of government officials.
- Action against corruption.
- Transparency in government spending.
- Strengthening local governance institutions.
- Greater administrative autonomy for PoK.
Political & Representation Demands
- Abolition of 12 refugee seats in the PoK Legislative Assembly.
- Reforms in the electoral system.
- Greater political representation for residents.
- Voting rights for overseas Kashmiris.
- Public consultation before major policy decisions.
- The demand to remove the 12 refugee seats has become one of the most controversial points of the charter, with JAAC arguing that these seats allow people living outside the region to influence local politics.
Public Services & Development Demands
- Better healthcare facilities.
- Improvement in government hospitals.
- Better quality education.
- Improvement in schools and colleges.
- Merit-based recruitment in government jobs.
- Regularisation of contractual and daily wage workers.
- Creation of more employment opportunities for youth.
- Support for farmers and local businesses.
- Better roads and infrastructure.
- Improved water supply systems.
- Better municipal services.
- Expansion of public transport facilities.
Civil Rights & Social Demands
- Release of detained activists and protesters.
- Withdrawal of cases filed against demonstrators.
- Investigation into deaths and injuries during protests.
- Compensation for families affected by violence.
- Protection of the right to peaceful protest.
- Stronger protection of civil rights and improved governance.
PoK JAAC Protest: When Did the Protest Start?
The current wave of protests began after growing public anger over economic issues and governance concerns in PoK. The JAAC organised demonstrations across different parts of the region, with support increasing in areas such as Rawalakot, Mirpur, Kotli and Bagh.
As the government failed to meet the committee’s deadline for addressing its demands, JAAC announced a march towards Muzaffarabad, turning local protests into a region-wide movement.
PoK JAAC Protest: How Did the Protest Escalate?
The situation intensified after negotiations between protesters and authorities failed to resolve key issues. Large gatherings, road blockades and shutdowns were reported across several districts as more people joined the movement.
The government responded by increasing security deployment, while protesters accused authorities of attempting to suppress their demands. The confrontation reached a critical point after clashes broke out between security forces and demonstrators ahead of the Muzaffarabad march.
PoK JAAC Protest: Why Are People Protesting Against Islamabad?
Protesters have accused Islamabad of ignoring the economic and political concerns of people living in PoK. The major issues behind the agitation include:
- Rising electricity costs
- Expensive essential commodities
- Limited job opportunities
- Poor public services
- Demands for greater political participation
Demonstrators argue that the region has faced years of neglect and that authorities need to address local issues instead of relying only on administrative measures.
PoK JAAC Protest: Will the March Towards Muzaffarabad Change Anything?
The march towards Muzaffarabad has increased pressure on the Pakistan government to respond to the protesters’ demands. The scale of the mobilisation has made it difficult for authorities to ignore the concerns raised by JAAC.
However, whether the protest leads to major policy changes depends on negotiations between the government and protest leaders. With elections to the PoK Legislative Assembly scheduled for July 27, the unrest has added political pressure on Islamabad.
PoK JAAC Protest: Why Are People Marching Towards Muzaffarabad?
Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has become the destination of the march because protesters want to bring their demands directly before regional authorities.
JAAC leaders called on supporters from across PoK to gather and participate in the march to highlight what they describe as years of ignored grievances. Large groups from Rawalakot, Mirpur, Kotli and Bagh are expected to join the movement as it moves towards the capital.
PoK JAAC Protest: Pakistani Rangers & Protesters Clash
The protest turned violent after clashes broke out between demonstrators and Pakistani security forces. Reports stated that Pakistani Rangers used force to control protests in several areas, including Sudhanoti and Mathiyal Mera.
Security forces reportedly used tear gas and live ammunition during attempts to disperse crowds. The clashes further increased anger among protesters and intensified demands for accountability.
PoK JAAC Protest Latest News: 8 Protesters Killed in Clashes
At least eight protesters were reportedly killed during clashes with security forces ahead of the Muzaffarabad march. According to reports, the violence occurred as authorities attempted to control demonstrations across multiple districts.
One Pakistan Ranger was also reported dead during the confrontation. The deaths have increased tensions, with protest leaders accusing authorities of excessive force while officials have defended security measures.
PoK JAAC Protest Latest News: Pakistan Deploys 16,000 Security Personnel
Pakistan has strengthened security arrangements across PoK amid fears of further unrest. Reports suggest Islamabad has deployed around 16,000 security personnel across different areas of the region.
Security forces have been stationed near sensitive locations, while authorities continue monitoring the movement of large crowds heading towards Muzaffarabad. The heavy deployment has raised concerns among protesters and rights groups over the government’s response.
PoK JAAC Protest Latest News: Communication Restrictions & Security Measures
Authorities have introduced additional security measures as the protests continue. Several areas have reportedly witnessed communication restrictions, while security forces have increased their presence to manage demonstrations.
Officials say the measures are aimed at maintaining law and order, while protesters argue that restrictions are limiting their ability to organise and communicate.
PoK JAAC Protest: India Reacts to Violence in PoK
India has also reacted to the developments in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the violence highlights what it described as decades of exploitation under Islamabad’s administration.
India has consistently maintained that PoK is illegally occupied by Pakistan and has raised concerns over the political and economic conditions in the region.
PoK JAAC Protest: What’s Next?
The situation in PoK remains tense as thousands continue their march towards Muzaffarabad. The next phase of the protest will depend on whether the Pakistan government opens talks with JAAC leaders or continues security measures.
With elections approaching and public anger growing, Islamabad faces increasing pressure to find a political solution and prevent further escalation in the region.
