Tensions have reached a boiling point in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as Pakistani security forces reportedly opened fire on a massive peaceful protest rally organized by the Jammu-Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). According to reports from ANI, the incident occurred on Sunday when approximately 40,000 protesters gathered at the Sardar Ghulam Hussain Khan Sports Stadium in Abbaspur. The JAAC has alleged that Pakistani security forces initiated unprovoked firing on peaceful demonstrators in the AMB area of Dudyal, resulting in serious injuries to several individuals. While the exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed by the Pakistani administration, the situation remains extremely volatile.
Demands for Rights and Release of Leaders
The JAAC stated that this large-scale mobilization is a direct protest against the Islamabad government. The movement is centered around the arrest of JAAC leaders and activists, administrative failures, and the persistent demand for fundamental rights. The organization has issued an urgent call for the immediate release of all detained leaders and workers. The arrest of Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a prominent member of the JAAC Core Committee, has particularly fueled the fire, leading to increased tension across the entire PoJK region. In response, a social media campaign titled 'Release Shaukat Mir' has been launched to encourage more people to join the movement.
Global Solidarity and Expanding Protests
The unrest isn't limited to the borders of PoK. Following an appeal by the JAAC, the Kashmiri community residing in Auckland, New Zealand, also staged a protest, while they voiced their strong opposition to the arrest of Shaukat Nawaz Mir and demanded his unconditional release. During these demonstrations, slogans such as 'Long Live Kashmir' and 'Long Live the People' were raised. Also, activist Amjad Ayub Mirza has claimed that more than 600 activists have been detained following Mir's arrest. He also revealed that preparations are underway for a major protest against Pakistan in London, scheduled for July 5.
Massive Mobilization Strategy
The JAAC has set an ambitious goal of gathering 500,000 people for their cause. By sharing population data for the 10 districts of PoK on social media, the organization calculated that if 50,000 people from each district participate, the total count would reach 5 lakh. They've urged participants to carry white flags as a symbol of peace and to maintain strict discipline. The objective is to send a clear message to the international community that the protest is solely for the attainment of basic human and administrative rights. Reports indicate that convoys of people, including women, children, and the elderly, are continuously arriving at sit-in sites like Dera Ismail Khan. Women from Rawalakot and Chak are also reportedly leading the movement on the streets despite administrative pressure.
A History of Violence and Political Turmoil
The current situation follows a period of intense violence. On June 5, the government banned the JAAC under anti-terrorism laws, which Importantly escalated regional tensions. Just days later, on June 8, violent clashes between police and protesters resulted in 30 deaths and over 200 injuries. According to Reuters, the deceased included 4 police officers. A major point of contention remains the 12 reserved assembly seats for refugees who moved from Jammu and Kashmir to other parts of Pakistan. The JAAC has been campaigning to abolish these specific seats.
Upcoming Elections and Political Shifts
The region is preparing for assembly elections scheduled for July 27. The PoK assembly consists of 53 seats, with 45 being directly elected and 8 reserved for women, technical experts, and religious scholars. The political landscape has been unstable since the 2021 elections, where Imran Khan's PTI won 25 seats. Following the fall of Imran Khan's government in April 2022, the region saw a series of leadership changes. Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi resigned in May 2022, followed by Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, who was disqualified for contempt of court in April 2023. Chaudhary Anwarul Haq then took over but later distanced himself from PTI. After his removal via a no-confidence motion in November 2025, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) currently serves as the Prime Minister.