Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has witnessed an intensifying wave of protests, with demonstrators openly challenging Islamabad’s authority and voicing frustration over governance, political representation, economic conditions, and alleged human rights abuses. In one of the most striking developments, protesters have reportedly declared that “PoK is not part of Pakistan” and warned that if their grievances continue to be ignored, they may seek closer engagement with India.
The protests represent one of the most significant public challenges to Pakistan’s administration of the region in recent years. While economic issues initially triggered the movement, the demonstrations have evolved into broader demands for political autonomy, accountability, constitutional reforms, and greater local control over the region’s resources. Pakistani authorities, meanwhile, have responded with a security crackdown, leading to further criticism from activists and human rights groups.
Background: Why Are Protests Growing in PoK?
Pakistan-administered Kashmir has experienced periodic unrest for years, but the current movement reflects deeper dissatisfaction with Islamabad’s governance.
Residents have raised concerns over:
- Rising electricity tariffs despite local hydropower generation.
- Inflation and the increasing cost of essential commodities.
- Unemployment and limited economic opportunities.
- Alleged exploitation of natural resources without adequate local benefits.
- Political interference by Islamabad in regional administration.
- Demands for greater democratic representation.
Initially driven by economic grievances, the protests have gradually expanded into a wider movement questioning Islamabad’s policies in the region.
“PoK Is Not Part of Pakistan”
During recent demonstrations, several protesters reportedly declared that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir should not be regarded as an integral part of Pakistan and criticized Islamabad for treating the territory without granting it full constitutional rights or meaningful self-governance.
Some protest leaders warned that if Islamabad continued to suppress local voices, they would consider seeking support from India or appealing more actively to the international community to highlight their concerns. Such statements reflect frustration among sections of the protest movement, though they do not necessarily represent the views of all residents in the region.
Major Demands of the Protesters
Although different organizations have raised different issues, several common demands have emerged:
1. Greater Political Autonomy
Many protesters argue that key decisions affecting the region are controlled by Islamabad rather than elected local representatives.
They seek:
- Increased legislative powers.
- Reduced federal interference.
- Greater accountability of regional institutions.
2. Electoral Reforms
A recurring demand concerns the abolition or reform of assembly seats reserved for refugees residing in Pakistan, which protesters argue give Islamabad disproportionate influence over local politics.
3. Fair Distribution of Natural Resources
Residents argue that PoK contributes significantly through hydropower projects but receives limited benefits.
They are demanding:
- Lower electricity tariffs.
- Greater revenue sharing.
- Investment in local infrastructure.
- Better public services.
4. Economic Relief
Protesters have called for:
- Subsidies on electricity.
- Affordable wheat and food supplies.
- Employment opportunities.
- Improved healthcare and education.
5. Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Activists have accused authorities of:
- Restricting peaceful demonstrations.
- Arbitrary arrests.
- Excessive use of force.
- Limiting freedom of expression.
These allegations have drawn attention from rights groups and international observers.
Islamabad’s Response
Pakistan has responded with increased security measures.
Reports indicate that authorities have:
- Deployed additional police and paramilitary personnel.
- Established checkpoints in major towns.
- Restricted internet and communication services in some areas.
- Arrested protest leaders.
- Used anti-terrorism laws against certain organizations involved in the demonstrations.
The government has defended these actions as necessary to maintain public order and prevent violence.
Allegations of a Crackdown
Several reports allege that clashes between protesters and security forces have resulted in casualties and numerous arrests.
At a recent session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), advocacy groups accused Pakistan of excessive use of force in PoK and raised concerns over road blockades, detentions, and restrictions on civil liberties. Pakistan has rejected criticism of its handling of the unrest.
India’s Position
India maintains that the entire region of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, is an integral part of India.
Responding to reports of unrest, India’s Ministry of External Affairs criticized Pakistan over alleged human rights abuses in PoK and called on the international community to hold Islamabad accountable. Indian officials have also reiterated their longstanding position that Pakistan occupies the territory illegally.
Growing Friction Within PoK Leadership
Recent political exchanges have also highlighted tensions between PoK’s local leadership and Pakistan’s federal establishment.
In June 2026, PoK Prime Minister Faizal Mumtaz Rathore publicly criticized Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif after remarks suggesting that residents of Rawalkot and Mirpur were “not proper Kashmiris.” Rathore rejected the comments, stating that the people of PoK did not require validation of their identity from Islamabad.
Why the Situation Matters
The developments in PoK are significant because they involve several interconnected issues:
- Regional political stability.
- Governance and constitutional questions.
- Human rights concerns.
- Economic management.
- India-Pakistan relations.
- International attention on disputed territories.
The protests also illustrate how economic grievances can evolve into broader political movements when local populations feel their concerns are not being adequately addressed.
What Lies Ahead?
The future trajectory of the protests will depend on several factors:
- Whether Islamabad engages in dialogue with protest groups.
- The implementation of political and economic reforms.
- The handling of security operations.
- Judicial and administrative responses to allegations of excessive force.
- The willingness of stakeholders to pursue peaceful solutions.
A prolonged standoff could deepen instability, while meaningful reforms and negotiations may help reduce tensions.
Conclusion
The ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir represent one of the most serious challenges to Islamabad’s administration of the region in recent years. What began as demonstrations over economic hardship has expanded into a wider movement encompassing governance, political representation, resource distribution, and civil liberties.
Statements by some protesters asserting that “PoK is not part of Pakistan” and warning of reaching out to India underscore the depth of frustration among sections of the movement. At the same time, these remarks exist within the broader context of the long-standing and internationally disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir. As the situation develops, the focus will remain on whether the parties involved pursue dialogue and reforms or whether tensions continue to escalate.
