PoK Protest: The demand for independence has again become louder in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). Thousands of people have staged a huge demonstration in Rawalakot. The protesters are raising slogans loudly – “Poke is not a part of Pakistan.” They are very angry against the Pakistan government.
The Pakistan government has stopped the supply of food items, medicines and other essential goods in PoK. This is called food blockade. People are saying that this has made their everyday life very difficult.
Thousands of protesters gathered at Idgah Ground in Rawalakot. The Pakistan government and army are accused of neglect, economic exploitation and attempts to suppress. These demonstrations have been going on since June 9 near the Line of Control (LoC), where Islamabad was openly challenged.
“Can ask for help from India”
The protesters are warning the government that if the ban on ration is not lifted, they may seek help from others as well. While addressing, Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leader Sardar Amman Khan gave a strong statement against Pakistan. He said-
“Our women and children are protesting at zero point on the ceasefire line. They are saying that they will stop the ration of Kashmiris. We do not need your ration. You need us. Have a little care… have a little care… you need us. Lest other avenues open up and then you (Pakistan) have to appeal to us.”
Sardar Amman Khan’s statement is believed to mean looking towards India. There are speculations that the people of PoK now want to seek help from India. The crowd numbering in thousands supported Sardar Khan by clapping.
Demonstrations are taking place since June
People of PoK have been protesting against Pakistan government for a long time on high inflation, electricity problem and other issues. In June 2026, massive demonstrations began in the Rawalakot area of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The protesters raised slogans against Pakistani security forces and at some places raised slogans like “PoK is not part of Pakistan”.
These demonstrations spread rapidly and turned violent. Pakistani police and Rangers opened fire on the protesters, killing more than 25 people and injuring hundreds. Internet was shut down, many leaders were arrested. The Pakistan government is not yet giving any concrete answer on this. People are saying that the protest will continue until their demands are met.
These demonstrations did not stop only at Rawalakot. Spread in many areas of PoK including Muzaffarabad. Women and school children also took to the streets. Slogans of “Pakistani forces out” were also raised at some places.
Why are demonstrations taking place?
People of PoK are troubled for a long time. The prices of flour and electricity increased a lot. People say electricity is expensive and outages are common. Apart from this, 12 seats in the PoK assembly are reserved for those Kashmiris who live in other parts of Pakistan. Local people say that these seats are snatching away their rights. There is a demand to abolish them.
Apart from this there is lack of basic rights. Jobs, good education, health facilities, roads, all these are less. People accuse the Pakistan government that it only uses PoK and does not develop it. A local group called JAAC is leading these demonstrations. The Pakistan government declared it a terrorist organization and banned it, which further increased anger.
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