Muzaffarabad: Protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) entered their fifth day on Thursday, with massive crowds marching from Rawalakot towards Muzaffarabad. Opposition leaders in Pakistan amplified the demonstrations by sharing videos online.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf leader Syeda Zahr posted a video showing the rally, writing, “Latest from Kashmir: A sea of people from Rawalakot is heading to Muzaffarabad.” Another aide of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Muddsar, also shared visuals of protestors chanting anti-regime slogans, praising Kashmiris for their courage.
Neelum Valley Public Action Committee leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir, in a widely shared video, accused the government of silencing dissent and unleashing violence. “This government has turned into a demon, killing its own people. By shutting down the media, deploying forces, and firing on us, they are trying to suppress our voices. What position are you really standing on?” he said.
Violent clashes erupted in Muzaffarabad as Pakistani security forces opened fire on protestors demanding the Self-Rule Charter of Demands. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), leading the movement, reported more than half a dozen deaths and several serious injuries over the past three days.
The unrest, which began as peaceful protests, has now spread across multiple districts. Shops, businesses, and transport services remain shut, reflecting widespread anger at Islamabad’s handling of the crisis. The escalation follows the administration’s imposition of an indefinite lockdown after last week’s demonstrations centred around the JKJAAC’s 38-point charter of demands.
Key demands include the abolition of 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan, reduction of electricity tariffs, subsidised wheat flour, an end to government perks, and provision of free education and healthcare.
Despite a region-wide internet shutdown, protests have intensified, with caravans of demonstrators breaking through blockades to reach Muzaffarabad. In Dudyal, Mirpur, the Action Committee announced it would not bury a protester’s body until authorities conceded to their demands, while security forces attempted to block protest marches by clearing bridges.
The crisis has brought daily life in PoJK to a standstill, with no signs of the agitation easing.
