Muzaffarabad: Massive protests have swept through Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), with residents demanding basic rights and accusing the government of Prime Minister Anwar Ul Haq Kakar of repression and neglect. According to local media reports, at least one person has died while several others have been injured as unrest continues across multiple districts.
Visuals from PoJK showed large gatherings in Mirpur, Plandri, Dadyal, Kotli, and Bhimber, where crowds raised slogans against what they described as systemic denial of rights. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) unit in PoJK amplified the protests online, accusing the government of “incompetence and state-backed violence.” PTI alleged that armed groups linked to the Muslim Conference opened fire on peaceful protesters, leaving at least four critically injured.
The protests intensified in Dadyal, where thousands joined sit-ins despite heavy restrictions. PTI accused the administration of creating humanitarian hardships by blocking the Plak Bridge, preventing patients and travelers from moving freely. Similar scenes were reported in Bhimber, Anwar Haq’s own constituency, where locals staged demonstrations and raised slogans against his leadership.
In Kotli District, rallies defied restrictions despite a communication blackout. Cellular networks, landlines, and internet services were suspended across PoJK, cutting off residents from their families. The Jammu Kashmir Awami Action Committee (JKAAC) led demonstrations there, demanding that Pakistan stop treating PoJK as a colony and instead recognize the region’s political and economic rights.
Observers say the demands reflect long-standing grievances, as protesters insist on the right to decision-making and political self-determination. Meanwhile, reports of unrest have also surfaced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where opposition leaders accused Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets of bombing Tirah Valley, allegedly killing at least 20 people.
