Protests Erupt in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Amidst Rising Tensions

In Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, protests have erupted following police actions that reportedly resulted in over 20 deaths. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has mobilized thousands demanding subsidized flour and electricity. Authorities have declared the group illegal, leading to heightened tensions and a call for negotiations from local leaders. As the situation unfolds, the streets remain largely deserted, with significant police presence. This article delves into the ongoing unrest and the government's response to the escalating crisis.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 10, 2026, 10:42 IST

Protests and Violence in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

Islamabad: Following a protest organized by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), various shops and markets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have shut down. This comes in the wake of reported fatalities, with over 20 individuals killed due to recent police actions in the area.

Approximately 2,000 demonstrators affiliated with the JAAC commenced a march from Bhimber on Tuesday, aiming to reach Mirpur before continuing to Muzaffarabad, as reported by BBC Urdu.

Some protesters are expected to head towards Rawalakot before making their way to Muzaffarabad. Police and security forces are actively patrolling the streets and surrounding areas.

The JAAC has been vocal in its demands for subsidized flour and electricity. Authorities declared the group illegal last Friday, citing public safety concerns.

Reports indicate that Muzaffarabad's streets were largely empty, with very few vehicles in sight, according to Dawn.

Riot police and paramilitary forces have been stationed throughout the city, although no protests have been observed there.

In Mirpur, hundreds gathered at the Quaid-i-Azam stadium, another significant location in PoK.

Local journalist Sajjad Jarral informed Dawn, "Shops are closed here, and traffic is off the roads."

The legal community in PoK has also joined the protests, boycotting court proceedings in response to the alleged detention of senior lawyer Amjad Ali Khan, a prominent member of the JAAC.

On Monday, Pakistan's human rights organization expressed its deep concern regarding the escalating violence in PoK amid the clashes.

In a bid to quell the unrest, authorities announced a reward for information leading to the capture of key JAAC leaders.

An official notice stated that a reward of "Rs 10 million" would be offered to anyone providing information that leads to the arrest of central JAAC figures, including Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Omar Nazir Kashmiri, Sardar Aman, and Khawaja Mehran.

The notice assures that the identities of informants will remain confidential.

Meanwhile, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, the so-called Prime Minister of PoK, has called for negotiations to resolve the ongoing tensions in the region.

Rathore acknowledged that while some demands from the protesters, especially concerning refugee seats, need careful consideration, dialogue is essential for a peaceful resolution.