A wave of protests sweeping through Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) shows no signs of abating as demonstrators demand greater autonomy, local control over land and resources, and political reforms. Activists report a significant escalation in state repression, including lethal force, mass deployments of security personnel, and severe restrictions on communication and media.
The unrest intensified after the Joint Awami Action Committee, an alliance of traders, students, and activists, was declared a banned organization. This move prompted thousands from across the region to take to the streets. According to a Washington-based activist monitoring the situation, Pakistani law enforcement agencies responded with deadly force, killing dozens of protesters. Large-scale deployment of paramilitary and police forces from Pakistan’s Punjab province further fueled tensions, resulting in widespread abuses against civilians.
Security forces reportedly targeted not only protesters but also their homes and medical facilities. Accounts indicate that officers entered residences, looted property, and obstructed medical personnel from attending to the injured. Hospitals became sites of intimidation, with doctors and staff warned against treating wounded demonstrators. Meanwhile, a complete shutdown of phone and internet services has severely hampered independent verification of casualties and restricted media coverage in the region.
The current protests differ markedly from prior movements, reflecting a profound erosion of trust in Pakistani authorities. Many locals now view Islamabad’s promises as hollow, intensifying the mobilization in scale and organization. Videos emerging from multiple areas reveal coordinated efforts among protesters, signaling a deepening grassroots determination.
The protesters’ key demands focus on regaining authority over natural resources and land management, pushing back against external political interference. They also call for relief from economic difficulties and a restructuring of the local political landscape to reduce Pakistan’s control. Opposition has grown toward political representatives seen as imposed rather than locally chosen, highlighting a broader rejection of Pakistan’s role in the governance of PoJK.