‘Peace Or War’: PoK Protest Group Gives Pakistan Military 24-Hour Ultimatum

Published 23 June 2026 · world

‘Peace Or War’: PoK Protest Group Gives Pakistan Military 24-Hour Ultimatum Reported By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 12:16 IST Large rallies with women were

‘Peace Or War’: PoK Protest Group Gives Pakistan Military 24-Hour Ultimatum Reported By, Last Updated: June 23, 2026, 12:16 IST Large rallies with women were reported from several areas following the protest call, with participants demanding the release of detained activists and an end to state repression Rapid Read Supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) gather during a weeks-long protest in Neelum Valley, in PoK. (AFP) Tensions continued to escalate across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), one of the leading protest groups in the region, issued what it described as a 24-hour ultimatum to Pakistani authorities amid an ongoing agitation against the deployment of security forces and a crackdown on activists. Addressing a public gathering in Rawalakot, JAAC leader Sardar Amaan Kashmiri warned that the movement would intensify if the group’s demands were not met.

Protesters at the rally raised slogans including “Ye Watan Humaara Hai" and pledged to continue demonstrations despite mounting pressure from authorities. In a fiery speech, Amaan Kashmiri questioned the deployment of Pakistani Rangers and other security personnel in the region, arguing that Islamabad had no right to increase its military presence in the valley. He also invoked United Nations resolutions while demanding the withdrawal of security forces. “Fulfil our demands. We are peaceful people, but do not push us towards violence," he said, according to videos circulated by protest organisers. The rhetoric reflected growing anger among sections of protesters who have accused Pakistani authorities of suppressing dissent. Amaan Kashmiri further claimed that Kashmiris would not surrender and vowed to continue the movement until their demands were addressed. The developments come amid a broader protest campaign spearheaded by the Joint Awami Action Committee.

In a fresh audio message, another senior JAAC leader, Shaukat Nawaz Mir, appealed to residents of the Muzaffarabad division to strictly observe a shutdown call issued by the organisation on June 23 and remain prepared for the next phase of agitation. Large rallies involving women were reported from several areas following the protest call, with participants demanding the release of detained activists and an end to what organisers described as state repression. JAAC leaders have alleged that Pakistani security agencies have detained more than 1,500 people during a crackdown over the past three weeks. The organisation also claimed that Pakistani Rangers raided and vandalised the residence of Shaukat Nawaz Mir during an overnight operation. There was no immediate official response from Pakistani authorities regarding the allegation. The latest confrontation marks a sharp escalation in tensions between protest groups and the Pakistani administration in PoK, raising concerns about further unrest if negotiations fail to break the current deadlock.