Historic Uprising in PoK: Why Islamabad Is Losing a Land It Never Owned

Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) has erupted in one of the largest uprisings in recent history, with thousands of residents taking to the streets against Islamabad’s decades of neglect and military excesses. What began as a movement over unmet civic demands has now transformed into a full-scale protest for rights, dignity, and freedom, shaking Islamabad’s already fragile control over the disputed territory.

Pakistani Army Opens Fire: Dozens Killed, Hundreds Injured

According to reports, Pakistani security forces and Rangers opened fire on unarmed civilians in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Neelam Valley, and Dayal, leaving at least 46 protesters dead and over 200 critically injured. Many victims were shot directly in the chest, while others suffered injuries due to heavy shelling.

Eyewitnesses confirm that police forces abandoned their posts as public anger surged. In retaliation, protesters even captured some Pakistani Army personnel, highlighting how the situation has spiraled out of Islamabad’s control.

The internet shutdown and media blackout imposed across PoK have further worsened the crisis, stripping citizens of their basic human rights and preventing global attention on the violence.

Why People Are Protesting in PoK

The protests are being spearheaded by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which accused Islamabad of systemic exploitation of PoK residents. Their list of 38 demands includes:

👉Lower electricity prices: PoK generates electricity for Pakistan, yet locals are forced to buy it at inflated rates while mainland Pakistan enjoys cheaper power.

👉Flour subsidy: Skyrocketing flour prices have made basic food unaffordable for families.

👉Representation in Assembly: 12 seats in PoK’s assembly are reserved for refugees living in Pakistan, leaving locals politically disenfranchised.

👉Completion of development projects: Roads, hospitals, and schools remain neglected despite decades of promises.

👉End to corruption and military exploitation: Locals accuse Islamabad of looting resources to fund projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) while ignoring PoK’s development.

These grievances have fueled massive discontent, leading to protests across major towns and villages of PoK.

“Azadi” Slogans and Tricolour Flags in PoK

Protesters are now raising slogans of “Azadi, Azadi” (Freedom, Freedom) across PoK. In a symbolic moment, the Indian Tricolour was hoisted in Muzaffarabad, with protesters openly comparing their plight with relatives in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, where welfare schemes, free ration distribution, and job opportunities are available.

This growing realization has weakened Islamabad’s long-standing propaganda, with many in PoK admitting that India provides better infrastructure and governance than Pakistan ever has.

Brutal Crackdown, Hypocrisy Exposed

The Pakistani Army’s crackdown in PoK has exposed Islamabad’s hypocrisy. While Pakistan raises concerns about “human rights” in Indian Kashmir, it has itself unleashed genocidal violence in PoK. The silence of Pakistan’s supporters—NGOs, opposition leaders, and activists in India who often speak about Kashmir—has further highlighted the double standards at play.

Islamabad Losing Grip Beyond PoK

The PoK protests are part of a wider trend of unrest across Pakistan’s provinces. From Balochistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, locals accuse the Pakistani establishment of corruption, exploitation, and militarization. Analysts warn that if Islamabad continues to rely on force, it risks losing control over multiple regions.

For Pakistan, the uprising also threatens its strategic projects like CPEC, many of which pass through PoK. Continued instability could not only damage Islamabad’s territorial claims but also undermine its partnership with China.

A Historic Uprising in the Making

This is not just another protest—it is a historic uprising. The sheer scale of participation, the intensity of the crackdown, and the resilience of civilians risking their lives mark a turning point in the struggle of the people of PoK.

The message from the streets of Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Neelam Valley, and Rawalakot is clear: Islamabad cannot silence PoK forever.

As Pakistan burns, the question arises: Is Islamabad on the verge of losing PoK—a territory it never truly owned?

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