PoK On The Boil: Why Deadly Protests Have Triggered An India-Pakistan War Of Words

Published 10 June 2026 · india

PoK On The Boil: Why Deadly Protests Have Triggered An India-Pakistan War Of Words Published By, Last Updated: June 10, 2026, 09:07 IST The violence

PoK On The Boil: Why Deadly Protests Have Triggered An India-Pakistan War Of Words Published By, Last Updated: June 10, 2026, 09:07 IST The violence was linked to demonstrations organised by Joint Awami Action Committee, a civil society coalition that Pakistani authorities recently declared a banned organisation Rapid Read The immediate trigger for the latest unrest was a dispute over 12 seats in the region’s legislative assembly that are reserved for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir who live in Pakistan. (Reuters) Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is witnessing one of its most serious bouts of unrest in recent years, with violent clashes between protesters and security forces leaving hundreds dead and dozens injured. The turmoil has triggered a political crisis for Islamabad, drawn criticism from rights groups, and prompted India to launch a diplomatic offensive against Pakistan. What Happened? According to latest estimates, over 100 people have been killed and several injured since clashes broke out between protesters and security forces in several parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with Rawalakot emerging as the epicentre of the unrest. The violence was linked to demonstrations organised by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society coalition that Pakistani authorities recently declared a banned organisation. Reuters reported that following the clashes, authorities imposed restrictions in several areas, suspended internet services in parts of the region and launched a crackdown on protest leaders. ALSO READ | India Calls Out Pakistan Over PoK Crackdown, Demands Global Accountability As Death Toll Crosses 30 The authorities subsequently issued arrest warrants against key JAAC figures and announced rewards for information leading to their capture. Who Is Behind The Protests? The protests have been spearheaded by the Joint Awami Action Committee, which first rose to prominence during large-scale demonstrations in 2024 over soaring electricity costs, wheat prices and broader economic grievances.

According to the Associated Press, the movement succeeded in forcing authorities to negotiate on several demands, helping it gain substantial public support. However, tensions never fully subsided, particularly over questions of political representation and governance. Pakistani authorities now argue that JAAC poses a threat to public order and national security. Protest leaders reject those accusations, insisting the movement represents local concerns and democratic aspirations. The Trigger: A Dispute Over 12 Assembly Seats While economic grievances helped build support for the movement, the immediate trigger for the latest unrest was a dispute over 12 seats in the region’s legislative assembly that are reserved for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir who live in Pakistan. ALSO READ | ‘No Food, Hundreds Detained’: PoK Activists Allege Massive Crackdown By Pakistan | Exclusive The Associated Press reported that JAAC and other local groups argue the arrangement gives non-residents disproportionate influence over political outcomes in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Protest leaders claim the reserved seats dilute the political voice of local residents. Pakistan’s government, however, maintains that the seats are protected under constitutional arrangements and cannot simply be abolished. A court decision upholding the existing system reportedly intensified public anger and became a catalyst for fresh protests. Why Did The Situation Turn Violent? The circumstances surrounding the violence remain contested. Protesters have accused security forces of using excessive force against demonstrators. Pakistani authorities, meanwhile, contend that protesters turned violent and attacked government institutions and personnel. What is undisputed is the scale of the disruption. Demonstrations spread beyond Rawalakot to other towns, including Muzaffarabad and Mirpur. Businesses shut their doors, transport services were disrupted and strikes paralysed normal life across several districts. ALSO READ | Pakistan Threatens POK Protest Leaders With Murder Charges, Reopens 177 Cases | Exclusive Human rights organisations have also raised concerns.