From ‘Terrorists’ To ‘Patriots’: Shehbaz Sharif’s Party Makes U-Turn On PoK Protesters As Death Toll Mounts

Published 9 August 2026 · politics

News world From ‘Terrorists’ To ‘Patriots’: Shehbaz Sharif’s Party Makes U-Turn On PoK Protesters As Death Toll Mounts From ‘Terrorists’ To ‘Patriots’: Shehbaz Sharif’s Party

News world From ‘Terrorists’ To ‘Patriots’: Shehbaz Sharif’s Party Makes U-Turn On PoK Protesters As Death Toll Mounts From ‘Terrorists’ To ‘Patriots’: Shehbaz Sharif’s Party Makes U-Turn On PoK Protesters As Death Toll Mounts Published By, Last Updated: August 09, 2026, 16:24 IST Amid escalating PoK protests and UN concern, Shehbaz Sharif’s PML-N has called 99 per cent of protesters “patriotic”. The latest escalation comes amid months of unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. (Image: ANI/File) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his brother Nawaz Sharif, appears to be softening its position towards protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), after months of unrest and a security crackdown in the region. Prime Minister’s adviser Rana Sanaullah on Saturday said 99 per cent of those involved in the protests were “patriotic" people. He also said representatives of the political party would soon meet members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the group leading the protests. PML-N Changes Tone On Protesters Addressing a rally ahead of the third phase of elections in PoK, Sanaullah said: “Ninety-nine per cent of those associated with the Joint Awami Action Committee are our patriotic brothers." He said that once the PML-N government was formed with a two-thirds majority, it would sit down with JAAC representatives and make resolving the issue its first task.

The remarks mark a shift from the party’s earlier position. Until a few days ago, the political party had claimed that members of the banned Tehrik-e Taliban were among the protesters, using the allegation to justify the government’s crackdown. Violence Amid PoK Elections The development comes as PoK has witnessed protests for more than two months, with tensions rising further since the three-phase elections began on July 27. In the first two phases, the establishment-backed PML-N won 25 seats, crossing the majority mark in the 45-member so-called assembly. The elections have been accompanied by widespread violence and allegations of massive rigging. The PML-N is in a direct contest with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), its coalition partner in the federal government. Voting for four seats in the third and final phase is scheduled for Monday, while elections in seven constituencies have been indefinitely postponed. What Are The Protesters Demanding? The JAAC, which was banned by the regional government in June, has brought together people from different sections of society, including students, traders, transporters, lawyers and social workers.