New Delhi: Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) is witnessing one of its most significant waves of public unrest in recent years, with thousands of people taking to the streets against the Islamabad government.
At the centre of the protests is the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Pakistani authorities, warning of a "grand and final" protest on July 9 if its demands are not met.
The demonstrations, which initially began over shortages of essential commodities, have now evolved into a broader movement against the government's handling of the region and its response to the protests.
Why Are People Protesting?
Unlike many protests in the region that revolve around political or constitutional issues, the current agitation is driven primarily by everyday concerns affecting ordinary citizens.
The protesters are demanding:
Restoration of flour and other essential food supplies.
Uninterrupted availability of critical medicines.
Restoration of internet and communication services.
An end to what protesters describe as an economic blockade.
Release of detained activists and political leaders.
Full implementation of a previously agreed 38-point written agreement between the government and the JAAC.
According to protest organisers, these are basic humanitarian demands rather than political ones.
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What Triggered the Escalation?
The situation escalated after Pakistan declared the JAAC a banned organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Protest leaders allege that more than 600 activists and political leaders have since been arrested.
The crackdown has further fuelled public anger. Demonstrators claim that people demanding electricity, food supplies and basic civic rights are being treated as terrorists.
Reports from Muzaffarabad and nearby areas suggest that clashes broke out between protesters and police on Sunday. There have also been reports of firing, shelling and the use of force by security personnel during attempts to disperse demonstrations.
The 48-Hour Ultimatum
In a formal declaration, the JAAC announced that its sit-in protest would continue indefinitely until all demands are accepted.
The committee has given Islamabad 48 hours to respond. Failing that, it has called for what it describes as a "grand and final" protest on July 9.
The organisation has appealed not only to residents across PoJK but also to the global Kashmiri diaspora to participate in the planned demonstrations, signalling an attempt to broaden international attention to the movement.
Why the 38-Point Agreement Matters
One of the protesters' key demands is the implementation of a previously negotiated 38-point written agreement that they say the government had accepted but failed to enforce.
Although the complete contents of the agreement have not been publicly detailed by the protest organisers, they argue that its implementation would address several long-standing public grievances related to governance and basic services.
What Happens Next?
The coming days are likely to be crucial.
If Islamabad accepts the committee's demands or initiates dialogue, tensions could ease. However, if authorities continue with arrests and restrictions, the planned July 9 mobilisation could significantly intensify the confrontation between protesters and the government.
The situation has already drawn attention because of reports of widespread arrests, communication restrictions and shortages of essential supplies. With the JAAC refusing to withdraw its sit-in and calling for mass participation, PoJK may witness one of its largest protest movements in recent years.
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Whether the Pakistani government opts for negotiations or further enforcement measures will determine how the crisis unfolds in the days ahead.
Ends.
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