The situation in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) has taken a critical turn as the Pakistan government faces an internal rebellion within its security forces. Amidst the ongoing violent protests and political instability, a significant number of Pakistan police personnel have flatly refused to perform their duties in the region. This startling revelation came to light through an official government document, highlighting the growing tension and the inability of the administration to maintain order in the volatile territory, while the refusal of the security forces to engage in the region has added a new layer of complexity to the already simmering crisis in PoK.
Government Crackdown on Recalcitrant Officers
In response to this mass refusal, the government has initiated strict disciplinary actions against the police personnel. According to reports from the Dawn newspaper, at least one policeman was dismissed from service on Monday for failing to report for duty in PoK. The police department is currently in the process of compiling a comprehensive list of all officers who have declined their postings in PoK and Gilgit. The administration is also considering the implementation of new laws that would allow for the collective termination of such personnel in the future, signaling a zero-tolerance policy towards what they perceive as a dereliction of duty. This move is intended to deter other officers from following suit, although the underlying issues remain unaddressed.
Primary Reasons for the Refusal: Life Threats
The refusal of police personnel to serve in PoK is driven by several critical factors, the most prominent being the immediate threat to their lives, while the region is currently witnessing intense unrest, with citizens taking to the streets in large numbers to voice their grievances. The violence has already claimed the lives of 4 police personnel and 7 civilians, while hundreds of others have sustained injuries in the clashes. This marks the third major instance of large-scale turmoil in PoK within the last 2 years, making it one of the most dangerous zones for security deployments. The personnel feel that the risks involved in maintaining order in such a hostile environment are too high, especially given the lack of adequate support and protection.
Economic Disparities and Salary Issues
Beyond the physical danger, economic grievances play a major role in the dissatisfaction among the police force. Personnel deployed in PoK and Gilgit receive Notably lower salaries and allowances compared to their counterparts in other Pakistani provinces. In September 2025, approximately 11000 police personnel staged protests regarding this disparity. They argued that despite the introduction of the 2022 pay scale, they're still being compensated based on the outdated 2012 model. The salary gap is stark: while a constable in Punjab earns 73000 Pakistani rupees per month and one in Sindh earns 69000, a constable in PoK is paid a mere 15899 Pakistani rupees per month. This massive difference in pay has led to a complete breakdown of morale among the forces stationed in the region.
Historical Context and Political Unrest
The roots of the current crisis trace back to 1947-48 when Pakistan occupied parts of Kashmir, creating the 13300 square kilometer territory known as PoK. Currently governed by the People's Party under a union territory structure, the region is boiling over proposed elections. The local population is vehemently protesting against the reservation of 12 seats in the PoK Assembly for refugee Kashmiris, demanding that these reservations be abolished before any electoral process begins. The combination of historical grievances, political dissatisfaction, and economic inequality has created a perfect storm, leaving the Pakistan government struggling to maintain its grip on the region.