Tension flares up in PoK as thousands come out on streets against Shehbaz Sharif govt
Islamabad/IBNS: Political tension gripped the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as the Awami Action Committee (AAC) has launched a massive protest against the Shehbaz Sharif government over the "denial of fundamental rights", media reports said.
AAC, the umbrella organisation of civil society organisations, has now called an indefinite lockdown.
The committee is demanding the abolition of 12 legislative seats which were reserved for refugees in Jammu and Kashmir.
Other demands include subsidised flour, fairer power tariffs tied to the Mangla hydropower project and the implementation of reforms that have been delayed by the Pakistan government, Hindustan Times reported.
The locals have claimed the reservation of seats for the refugees "undermines representative governance", the daily added.
#BREAKING: Pakistani Forces fire at innocent civilians in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Thousands of civilians are protesting against @CMShehbaz Govt for political subjugation, atrocities, human rights violations and second hand treatment to PoK residents under Pak occupation. pic.twitter.com/uEB6Pf5HfG
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) September 29, 2025
Thousands coming out on streets observing the call for "shutter-down and wheel-jam" have prompted the government to deploy security forces to contain the escalating situation.
Landline, mobile phones and internet have been snapped in the region to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Last Saturday, heavy security forces were deployed in PoK and flag marches were carried out.
Stone pelting continues against Pakistani forces in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Civilian Uprising led by Awami Action Committee. Many people seriously injured. Pakistani security forces using brute force to crush the protest. PoK Civilians don’t get basic fundamental rights. pic.twitter.com/HcZzCUkMUA
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) September 29, 2025
The authorities said it aims to maintain peace and no attempt to disrupt public life will be allowed.
The Awami Action Committee in PoK is a grassroots protest alliance fighting for economic justice and rights for local people, mainly focusing on electricity, wheat, and governance issues under Pakistani administration.
It’s usually a coalition of local traders’ associations, transporters, students, civil society, and sometimes smaller political groups. The word "Awami" signals that it represents “the people” rather than one party.
Their stance is largely economic and rights-based, not overtly separatist like the Srinagar-based AAC.
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INDIA BLOOMS NEWS SERVICE
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Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
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