Turmoil in PoK Raises Questions Over Pakistan’s Kashmir Narrative

New Delhi: Fresh unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has brought renewed attention to allegations of repression, political marginalisation and the use of force against civilians in the region, raising questions about Pakistan’s long-standing claims of championing the rights of Kashmiris.

While there is no confirmed figure on the number of casualties linked to the recent protests, reports from the region suggest that several people have been killed or injured during clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Critics have accused the Pakistani establishment of restricting information flow and suppressing dissent in the territory.

The latest protests have centred on growing public dissatisfaction over political representation, governance issues and economic concerns. The situation escalated after authorities banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) under anti-terrorism laws. The organisation, comprising traders, lawyers, students and civil society activists, had announced a march to Muzaffarabad to oppose the reservation of 12 seats for refugees in the upcoming PoK Assembly elections.

Over the years, JAAC has evolved from a platform focused on issues such as rising electricity prices, inflation and governance failures into one of the most influential grassroots movements in the region.

The crackdown has also sparked reactions among sections of the Kashmiri diaspora in countries including the United Kingdom and the United States. Demonstrations have reportedly been held outside Pakistani diplomatic missions, with protesters accusing Islamabad of excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions and restrictions on communication services.

In the UK, protests were reported outside the Pakistani High Commission in London as well as in cities such as Bradford, Birmingham and Manchester. Some British lawmakers have also reportedly called on the government to examine reports of communication restrictions and security actions in the region.

Social media platforms have been flooded with videos and images purportedly showing the unrest, with protesters claiming that security forces used force against largely unarmed demonstrators. Reports from the region suggest that several families are searching for missing relatives and seeking information about those detained during the protests.

The developments have also drawn reactions from leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. Farooq Abdullah called for international attention to the situation, while Mirwaiz Umar Farooq urged dialogue and a peaceful resolution. However, broader public mobilisation on the issue has remained limited.

Analysts say the unrest has intensified scrutiny of Pakistan’s administration of PoK and highlighted growing demands among some residents for greater political and economic rights. The developments have also renewed debate over Pakistan’s Kashmir policy and its handling of dissent within territories under its control.

As tensions continue, observers believe the situation in PoK is no longer being viewed merely as a local issue but as a broader challenge to Pakistan’s long-standing position on Kashmir and governance in the region.

WIth inputs from IANS