Massive Protests Erupt in PoK Against Shehbaz Sharif Government, Internet Suspended
Thousands of people took to the streets across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as protests erupted against the Shehbaz Sharif-led government. The demonstrations were organized by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), a coalition of civil society groups, demanding fundamental rights, reforms, and the abolition of legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees.
The AAC had earlier called for a lockdown on Monday to send a strong message to the authorities regarding long-standing grievances. Videos circulating on social media showed large crowds raising slogans, waving flags, and marching through streets despite the partial suspension of mobile, landline, and internet services in the region.
The protests come after talks between the AAC and government representatives failed to resolve the committee’s demands. Key issues include the removal of 12 legislative seats allocated for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir, subsidized flour, fairer electricity tariffs linked to the Mangla hydropower project, and the implementation of reforms promised years ago. AAC members stated that their movement is not aimed against any ideology or institution but is focused on securing rights that have been denied for decades.
Security forces in PoK responded with heightened measures, including flag marches and heavy deployments in sensitive areas. Authorities emphasized maintaining public order, warning that no attempts to disrupt daily life would be tolerated. Some local shopkeepers kept their businesses open on Sunday to allow residents to make essential purchases ahead of the lockdown.
District officials stated that peace and safety are a shared responsibility between the administration, police, and citizens, ensuring that essential services continue despite the protests.
The ongoing unrest highlights deep-rooted tensions in PoK, where citizens continue to demand greater representation, economic relief, and governmental accountability. As demonstrations continue and an indefinite strike has been announced, authorities face increasing pressure to address both immediate grievances and long-term structural issues in the region.
With widespread participation and the internet partially cut off, the protests have attracted national attention and underscore the growing frustration among the population over unresolved issues and perceived neglect by local and federal authorities.
The AAC had earlier called for a lockdown on Monday to send a strong message to the authorities regarding long-standing grievances. Videos circulating on social media showed large crowds raising slogans, waving flags, and marching through streets despite the partial suspension of mobile, landline, and internet services in the region.
The protests come after talks between the AAC and government representatives failed to resolve the committee’s demands. Key issues include the removal of 12 legislative seats allocated for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir, subsidized flour, fairer electricity tariffs linked to the Mangla hydropower project, and the implementation of reforms promised years ago. AAC members stated that their movement is not aimed against any ideology or institution but is focused on securing rights that have been denied for decades.
Security forces in PoK responded with heightened measures, including flag marches and heavy deployments in sensitive areas. Authorities emphasized maintaining public order, warning that no attempts to disrupt daily life would be tolerated. Some local shopkeepers kept their businesses open on Sunday to allow residents to make essential purchases ahead of the lockdown.
District officials stated that peace and safety are a shared responsibility between the administration, police, and citizens, ensuring that essential services continue despite the protests.
The ongoing unrest highlights deep-rooted tensions in PoK, where citizens continue to demand greater representation, economic relief, and governmental accountability. As demonstrations continue and an indefinite strike has been announced, authorities face increasing pressure to address both immediate grievances and long-term structural issues in the region.
With widespread participation and the internet partially cut off, the protests have attracted national attention and underscore the growing frustration among the population over unresolved issues and perceived neglect by local and federal authorities.