Massive protests rock PoK as AAC calls indefinite strike, demanding rights, reforms, and end to refugee-reserved seats. Photo: X.
Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Protests: Massive demonstrations have broken out across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after the Awami Action Committee (AAC) called for protests against what it described as the “denial of fundamental rights.” The committee had earlier announced a region-wide lockdown on Monday to send a “loud and clear message” demanding the restoration of those rights.
Videos circulating on social media showed large gatherings of residents raising slogans and waving flags despite the shutdown. According to a BBC report, mobile networks, landlines, internet services, and social media platforms were partially suspended across the region as the protests gained momentum.
The AAC- an umbrella group of civil society organisations – has since escalated its action, declaring an “indefinite strike,” NDTV reported. The move came after the group accused the government of failing to address its demands.
Before the strike call, members of the PoK government and the Shehbaz Sharif-led federal government had engaged in talks with AAC representatives, but the discussions failed to yield an agreement.
The committee’s key demands include abolishing 12 legislative seats reserved for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir, subsidised flour, fairer power tariffs linked to the Mangla hydropower project, and the implementation of long-promised reforms from Islamabad.
“Let it be clear once again – we are not running a campaign against any ideology or institution, but for the bona fide rights of our people that have been denied for over seven decades under one or the other pretext,” Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a core AAC member, told Dawn News.
The 12 legislative seats have become a central issue of contention, introduced under the 13th Amendment (Act 2018) to Act 74. Locals argue that this arrangement “undermines representative governance.”
On Saturday, PoK security forces carried out flag marches, and heavy deployments were reported across key towns. Shopkeepers opened their stores on Sunday to allow residents to buy essentials ahead of the Monday lockdown.
District Magistrate Mudasser Farooq emphasised that the administration’s priority remains public safety.
“Maintaining peace is a shared responsibility of the administration, police, and citizens. We have no quarrel with anyone, but our mission of public service will continue at all costs,” he said.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
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