A large-scale protest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) has escalated political tensions in the region, with thousands of people assembling near the Line of Control (LoC) to assert that “POK is not part of Pakistan” and warn Islamabad that continued restrictions on food supplies could force residents to explore “other roads” — a statement many interpreted as a reference to closer engagement with India.
The gathering at Rawalakot’s Eidgah Ground is being viewed as one of the most significant public challenges to Pakistan’s authority in the region in recent years. Demonstrators accused the Pakistani government and security establishment of decades of political marginalisation, economic exploitation, and administrative suppression. They also alleged that authorities had restricted essential food supplies in an attempt to weaken the ongoing protest movement.
“We Don’t Need Pakistan”
Speaking before a large crowd, Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leader Sardar Aman Khan delivered a strongly worded speech criticising Islamabad and declaring that POK does not belong to Pakistan.
“POK is not a part of Pakistan. We do not need Pakistan; rather, it is Pakistan that desperately needs POK,” Khan said, drawing loud cheers and applause from protesters, many of whom waved flags and chanted anti-government slogans.
The demonstration comes amid a growing anti-government movement that has gained momentum across several areas of POK in recent weeks. Protesters have maintained a continuous sit-in at Rawalakot for more than three weeks despite increasing pressure from authorities.
Warning About “Other Roads”
Referring to the protest camp near the LoC’s Zero Point area, where demonstrators have been stationed since June 9, Khan accused the Pakistani administration of attempting to force the movement into submission through economic pressure.
He claimed that women and children participating in the protest had been threatened with restrictions on food supplies and said residents would not be intimidated by such measures. Khan warned authorities against pushing the situation to a point where alternative routes and options might be pursued, remarks widely interpreted as a political warning to Islamabad.
He also urged Pakistan’s leadership to seek a peaceful resolution and respect the wishes of the local population rather than relying on coercive measures.
According to Khan, governance in the region should reflect the will of the people and not resemble martial law or dictatorial rule. He further rejected demands that Kashmiris repeatedly prove their loyalty to Pakistan, insisting that Kashmir is not the property of the Pakistani state.
Food Restrictions Fuel Discontent
Protest leaders say the latest phase of the agitation intensified after authorities allegedly blocked the transport of wheat, flour, and other essential commodities into parts of POK.
Demonstrators argue that these restrictions were designed to weaken the movement by creating shortages and increasing financial hardship for local residents.
The protest campaign is currently centred around a 38-point charter of demands that includes issues such as inflation, electricity tariffs, governance reforms, subsidies, unemployment, and what organisers describe as long-standing political discrimination against the region.
Pakistani authorities have increasingly approached the movement as a security concern.
Reports indicate that activists, including Aman Khan and other JAAC members, have been charged under anti-terrorism laws following the organisation’s ban earlier this month.
Protest leaders maintain that these legal measures are intended to suppress a movement that began as an economic campaign but has since evolved into a broader political struggle. They also allege that internet services have remained suspended in parts of POK since early June to prevent information, images, and videos of the demonstrations from reaching a wider audience.
Growing Frustration in POK
The current unrest is rooted in years of dissatisfaction over governance, rising living costs, and what many residents perceive as an unfair distribution of the region’s resources.
Local communities have long demanded subsidies on wheat, flour, and electricity, arguing that although POK produces substantial hydropower, much of the benefit is directed elsewhere while residents continue to face high utility costs.
Public frustration reportedly increased after protesters accused Islamabad of failing to fulfil commitments made under previous agreements with local groups. The situation worsened further when the JAAC was banned under anti-terrorism legislation, a move the organisation strongly rejected while pledging to continue its campaign.
Tensions also rose after Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reportedly stated that residents of Rawalakot and Mirpur were “not proper Kashmiris.” The remarks sparked widespread anger across the region and added further momentum to an already intensifying protest movement.
