The protest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has reached its 34th day, with demonstrators voicing grievances against Pakistani authorities. What began as a demand for basic rights has evolved into a significant challenge to Islamabad’s control. Local leaders are openly criticizing Pakistani authorities, questioning their narrative on the occupied territory. Protest leader Javed Iqbal, speaking in Rawalakot, highlighted the shift in sentiment, stating that Kashmiris no longer accept the outdated propaganda of ‘Srinagar liberation.’
Videos circulating on social media depict large gatherings in PoK, particularly women, protesting against repression, high taxes, power tariffs, and arbitrary arrests. Simultaneously, Kashmiri diaspora members in Washington staged a protest condemning human rights abuses in PoK and calling for international intervention against the Pakistani crackdown. The global demonstrations coincide with ongoing unrest in PoK, marked by civilian casualties, a strict blockade, curfew, and communication blackout enforced by Pakistani forces.
The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) announced plans for a long march towards Muzaffarabad in PoK on July 15, urging widespread participation. Reports indicate that two more young men were killed in clashes with Pakistani forces, escalating tensions in the region. JAAC blamed the Pakistani forces and Muzaffarabad rulers for the deaths, vowing to seek justice for the victims and condemning the authorities’ indifference to the violence.
