People of PoK Rise in Protest Against Shehbaz Sharif Government

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is facing one of the biggest protests in recent years. On Monday, thousands of people came out on the streets after a call by the Awami Action Committee (AAC). The group has asked people to close shops and stop transport in a “shutter-down and wheel-jam” strike that may continue without an end date.

The strike has created major tension in the region. To stop the growing movement, the Pakistan government sent more troops and police, cut off internet services, and blocked roads. But the protesters say they will not stop until their demands are heard.

Why People Are Protesting

The AAC, which is a civil society group, has been speaking about the problems of people in PoK for months. Leaders say that the people have faced political neglect and economic injustice for over 70 years.

Their list of demands includes:

Ending 12 special seats in the PoK assembly that are reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. Locals believe these seats weaken their true representation.

Cheaper flour and other basic food items for poor families.

Fairer power rates, especially since PoK hosts the Mangla hydropower project that provides electricity to Pakistan.

Real reforms that Islamabad has promised many times but never delivered.

Shaukat Nawaz Mir, one of the AAC leaders, told the crowd in Muzaffarabad, “Our campaign is not against any institution but for the rights of our people. We have been denied justice for over 70 years. Enough is enough.”

Government’s Strong Response

The government in Islamabad and PoK did not accept these demands. Instead, they answered with force.

In the past few days:

Armed convoys marched through towns in PoK as a show of power.

Thousands of security troops were brought in from Punjab.

Police blocked the entry and exit points of many cities.

Surveillance was increased at sensitive places.

Over 1,000 more police officers were sent from Islamabad to add pressure.

Officials say they want to keep peace and avoid violence. District Magistrate Mudasser Farooq was quoted saying, “Peace is the collective responsibility of citizens and the administration.”

Talks Failed

Before the protests, there were long talks between AAC leaders, PoK officials, and ministers from Islamabad. The discussions lasted 13 hours but ended without an agreement.

AAC refused to step back on two main points: ending special assembly seats and ending elite privileges. The government did not accept. After the talks collapsed, Mir announced that the strike would continue. “The talks were incomplete and inconclusive,” he said.

Tense Situation in Cities

On the ground, people are preparing for hard days ahead. Traders in Muzaffarabad kept shops open on Sunday so citizens could buy food and store supplies. Many worry about shortages if the shutdown goes on for long.

Videos on social media showed long lines of security vehicles entering the city. Locals chanted slogans demanding freedom from Pakistan’s control.

Despite the heavy security, AAC leaders repeated that the protests would remain peaceful. However, they said the strike will not stop until the government delivers on rights and reforms.

What This Means for PoK

The protests show a deep anger that has been building for decades. People in PoK believe they are treated as second-class citizens. While their land provides water and electricity to Pakistan, locals often face high bills and food shortages.

The issue of the special assembly seats has also become a symbol of unfair rule. Many in PoK argue that refugee seats allow Pakistan to control their assembly and stop them from having a real voice.

Cutting the internet and sending troops may silence protesters for a while, but it cannot solve the root problems. Instead, it risks making people even more frustrated.

Struggle for Rights

The protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are more than just about food or electricity bills. They are about dignity, representation, and the right to live with fairness.

For decades, governments in Islamabad have promised reforms but failed to deliver. Now, the people are no longer ready to wait. The streets of Muzaffarabad and other towns show a new level of anger and unity.

The Shehbaz Sharif government must understand that force cannot end this crisis. Closing roads, blocking internet, and sending troops may create fear, but it will not bring peace. Only listening to the people and giving them real rights can calm the situation.

This moment may become a turning point in PoK’s long struggle. If ignored, it could lead to bigger unrest and lasting instability. The voice of thousands on the streets is clear: they demand justice, and they will not go back until they are heard.