PoK in Turmoil: Shehbaz Sharif Government Faces Huge Backlash in Massive Protests

Led by the Awami Action Committee, Thousands are Out on the Streets, Demanding Structural Reforms in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

In one of the largest protests in recent times, the Awami Action Committee (AAC) members have started a "shutter-down and wheel-jam" strike across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), heightening tensions in this sensitive region. Islamabad, in response, deployed massive security forces and cut internet access from midnight to curb mobilisation.

Despite these efforts, tensions are gradually rising as a consequence of the PoK protest, through leaked videos, on-field reports, and social media trends.

Demand for Structural Reforms

After months of gaining momentum, the civil society alliance, AAC, has rallied with banners against decades of political marginalisation and economic neglect in PoK. With a list of 38-point charter demands, AAC members proclaimed structural reforms, including the abolition of 12 legislative seats in the PoK assembly reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, which locals argue undermines representative governance. 

Other ultimatums include subsidised flour, fairer power tariffs tied to the Mangla hydropower project, and implementation of long-delayed reforms promised by the Pakistan Government.

"Our campaign is not against any institution but for the fundamental rights denied to our people for over 70 years," said Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a core AAC leader, addressing crowds in Muzaffarabad. "Enough is enough. Either deliver on rights or face the wrath of the people," he added.

Islamabad Responds with Power

Islamabad has dispatched an additional 1,000 police personnel from the capital to reinforce local security forces. Officials insist the crackdown is necessary to maintain order. "Peace is the collective responsibility of citizens and the administration," said District Magistrate Mudasser Farooq, warning against “any disruption of public life”.

The massive force deployment by Shehbaz Sharif’s government follows a dramatic breakdown of marathon talks between AAC negotiators, the PoK administration, and federal ministers. The dialogue collapsed after 13 hours when the committee refused to compromise on eliminating elite privileges and refugee assembly seats. "The talks were incomplete and inconclusive," AAC leader Mir declared, vowing to press ahead with the shutdown.

Did the Pak Government’s Recent Actions Provoke? 

In recent times, heavily armed convoys staged flag marches through major PoK towns, including Muzaffarabad followed by thousands of troops moving in from Punjab. On Saturday and Sunday, police sealed entry and exit points of key cities, with surveillance stepped up around sensitive installations.

The Tense Situation That Can Shift At Any Moment

On the ground, the anticipation is visibly palpable. Traders' associations in Muzaffarabad announced to keep the shops open, citing citizens’ chance to stockpile foods and essentials before any shutdown. 

Videos circulating on social media show convoys of security forces entering the city, fuelling speculation of a severe response. The citizens of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) were also seen chanting slogans for freedom from the forced occupation of Pakistan.

AAC leaders insist the protest will be “peaceful” but “uncompromising”.

PoK’s Troubled Past

This isn’t the first protest in the PoK region. In fact, this politically vulnerable region has long been known for unrest with locals alleging decades of injustice, neglect, and systemic corruption.

Last May, the region witnessed multiple shutdowns and demonstrations over demands including subsidised flour and electricity. At the time, demonstrators said “the people of PoK should get electricity at cost since it is generated locally, through Mangla Dam, situated in the Mirpur district of PoK”.

Following those protests, India had noted that the agitations are a “natural consequence” of Islamabad’s continued policy of systemic plundering of resources from the region that remains under its “forcible and illegal” occupation.

Encompassing an area of 13,297 sq km, divided into 10 districts, PoK has a population of more than 40 lakh people. With internet access being cut off amidst tightened security, Monday's showdown could act as a turning point in PoK's long-running fight for political rights.