Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a key AAC leader, said the protests reflect the frustration of people denied fundamental rights for decades. “Either deliver on rights or face the wrath of the people,” he warned, calling the current agitation “Plan A” and hinting at more severe action if Islamabad fails to respond.
The demonstrations led to a near-total shutdown in PoK. Shops, markets, and transport services came to a halt, amplifying pressure on the Pakistan government to respond to the people’s demands. Videos circulating online showed armed men firing in the air as thousands of protesters chanted slogans and climbed on vehicles to display their defiance.
Government Responds With Force
In response, Islamabad deployed thousands of additional troops to the region, including 1,000 soldiers dispatched from the capital. Reports also indicate heavily armed patrols conducting flag marches across PoK towns to deter further demonstrations.
Internet access in parts of PoK has reportedly been restricted, limiting communication and media coverage from the ground. Analysts suggest this could further fuel anger among residents who already feel isolated from mainstream decision-making.
Backdrop of Rising Violence
The clashes in Muzaffarabad follow another tragedy last week when Pakistani Air Force jets carried out strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, allegedly targeting terrorists. Instead, 30 civilians were killed after Chinese-made JF-17 fighter jets dropped laser-guided bombs on a village. The incident deepened distrust among citizens who accuse the government of indiscriminate use of force.
Security experts believe the ongoing unrest reflects a wider crisis in Pakistan’s governance, where growing militancy, economic challenges, and political instability are converging to destabilize regions like PoK.
International Concerns Mount
Human rights activists have expressed concern over the situation, calling on the global community to monitor the events in PoK closely. India has consistently raised the issue of Pakistan’s illegal occupation of the region, reiterating that the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are being systematically violated.
For now, the protests show no sign of abating, with AAC leaders declaring that the fight for rights has entered a decisive phase. Whether Islamabad chooses dialogue or repression could determine the trajectory of PoK’s political future.