Unrest in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir (PoK) is intensifying, and one of the region’s most prominent protest leaders, Sardar Aman Khan, has issued a direct appeal to people in Srinagar, Ladakh, Poonch, Rajouri and Jammu to stand in solidarity with PoK residents during fresh demonstrations planned for July 5. The protests are being organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil movement that has emerged as the strongest challenge to Pakistan’s administration in the region.
In a video message, Khan said PoK residents were facing severe repression. “We have faced atrocities. Our food has been stopped,” he claimed, accusing Pakistani authorities of cutting off essential supplies to pressure protesters into backing down. He urged people across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to “stand with us” as the movement enters a critical phase.
The situation in PoK has been tense for weeks. Demonstrations in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot escalated after a military crackdown that reportedly led to deadly clashes, internet shutdowns and widespread arrests. Pakistan recently banned JAAC under the Anti‑Terrorism Act, triggering a sweeping security operation in which hundreds of members were detained and placed on the country’s “Fourth Schedule” watch list.
JAAC, which operates through a 38‑point Charter of Demands, is calling for economic reforms, fair distribution of local resources, and the abolition of 12 legislative assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees — a long‑standing grievance in the region.
Former Indian Army officer Maj Gen AK Siwach (Retd) told Firstpost that the protests are “spreading like wildfire” across PoK, fuelled by anger over rising prices, unemployment and alleged state repression. He added that Pakistan is already grappling with economic distress, political instability and growing terrorism, and the turmoil in PoK has become yet another pressure point for Islamabad.