Escalating Protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Following Fatal Shootings

Protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir have intensified after two individuals were killed by security forces, leading to widespread unrest. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding acceptance of their charter of demands. With over 1,000 arrests, including civil rights activists, the situation remains tense. Additionally, journalist Syed Farhad Ali Shah has been detained, prompting calls for his release. The JAAC is advocating for significant political and economic reforms, highlighting the growing discontent in the region. This article delves into the causes of the protests and the implications for civil rights in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 14:29 IST

Intensified Unrest in PoK

Muzaffarabad: Protests have surged in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) after the tragic deaths of two individuals due to gunfire from Pakistan rangers on Thursday (July 9). Reports indicate that security forces opened fire near the Kotli Dharna in Rawalakot, resulting in injuries to several demonstrators. In response, the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Pakistani government, demanding acceptance of its 38-point charter. The JAAC has warned of significant protests if their demands are ignored. Notably, the Pakistani government has banned the JAAC under the Anti-Terrorism Act, leading to over 1,000 arrests, including around 600 civil rights activists. Protesters have accused the government of restricting essential supplies such as food, flour, and medicine. Reports also suggest that the bank accounts of JAAC leaders have been frozen, and their identification documents confiscated.

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Journalist Arrested Before PoK Elections

Authorities in Pakistan are under scrutiny following the arrest of journalist Syed Farhad Ali Shah. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for his immediate and unconditional release. Shah was reportedly detained after covering protests organized by the recently banned JAAC. According to CPJ, Shah, who works with the digital news outlet Times of Kashmir, was arrested on June 20 in Bagh district under the Maintenance of Public Order Ordinance, a law that allows for preventive detention without formal charges for up to six months.

Reasons Behind the Protests

The JAAC is demanding the abolition of 12 reserved seats designated for individuals who migrated from Jammu and Kashmir to other regions of Pakistan. They argue that these seats enable non-residents to influence local assembly decisions, allowing major political parties from Pakistan to interfere. Additionally, the JAAC is advocating for economic reforms in the area, including reduced energy costs. Established in 2023, the JAAC has quickly emerged as a significant civil rights organization, organizing sit-ins and strikes in PoK, and gaining attention during the protests of 2024.