Massive Protests Rock Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Against Shehbaz Sharif Government
Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) has been swept by massive protests triggered by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), a coalition of civil society groups demanding long-overdue rights and reforms for the people of the region. The AAC called for a "shutter down wheel-jam" strike and an indefinite lockdown, leading to widespread demonstrations across key districts such as Mirpur, Kotli, Rawalakot, Neelum Valley, and Keran. Shops closed, thousands took to the streets, and heavy security forces were deployed amid an internet shutdown aimed at controlling the unrest.
Root Causes of the Unrest
The protests are the culmination of years of grievances over fundamental rights denial, unfulfilled promises, and economic disparities. Key issues fueling the unrest include:
The demand for abolition of 12 legislative seats in the POK Assembly reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan, which locals argue undermines representative governance.
Subsidised flour and fairer power tariffs linked to the Mangla hydropower project, from which local resources are used but benefits do not adequately reach the indigenous population.
Implementation of long-delayed reforms promised by Islamabad aimed at improving governance, development, and civil rights.
AAC leader Shoukat Nawaz Mir emphasized that the campaign is not against any institution or ideology but is a fight for the fundamental rights owed to the people for more than seven decades.
Security Measures and Government Response
In response to the protests, Pakistan deployed thousands of troops, including convoys from Punjab and Islamabad police forces, while sealing entry and exit points in anticipation of unrest. Internet services, mobile phones, and social media platforms faced partial shutdowns to stem the flow of protest coordination and information. Flag marches and heavy security presence were reported, signaling the government’s intent to maintain control and public order.
Despite talks between the AAC representatives and the POK and Pakistan governments, the failure to reach acceptable compromises has led to an impasse, with the AAC vowing to resume protests from mid-October.
Potential Consequences of the Protests
The prolonged protests and mounting tensions could have significant consequences for the region and beyond:
Political Instability: The breakdown of dialogue and the insistence on fundamental reforms might deepen the polarization between local leadership and the Pakistani government, raising risks of sustained unrest.
Humanitarian Impact: Internet blackouts and security crackdowns could affect daily life, access to information, healthcare, and economic activities, further worsening conditions for residents.
Geopolitical Ramifications: The unrest highlights sensitive governance issues in POK, potentially drawing international attention and complicating Pakistan's relations with India and global stakeholders interested in Kashmir’s stability.
Economic Disruption: Shutdowns and protests disrupt trade, local businesses, and the economy, hitting an already vulnerable population financially.
Strengthening Local Movements: The AAC's ability to mobilize broad segments of society signals growing assertiveness and collective demand for rights, which could reshape future governance dynamics in POK.