Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Faces Renewed Protests Over Government’s Broken Promises

New Delhi, 2 January: The atmosphere in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) is tense again as protests flare up against the Shahbaz Government. The dialogue between the Joint Awami Action Committee and the Government has been cancelled, raising fears that the peace achieved after months of violence in October 2025 may now unravel.

Protests initially began in September 2025, when various organisations raised multiple development-related demands. The Pakistan Government intervened and agreed to meet all demands at that time.

However, the Committee has now accused the Government of deceit, stating that not a single demand has been fulfilled. It has refused to engage in further talks with the Pakistan Government, suggesting that protests could intensify once again.

Assessments indicate that the upcoming protests may be larger than the previous ones. This is not the first time the Pakistan Government has reneged on its commitments, leaving local residents deeply disappointed.

The Government’s approach towards POK mirrors the situation in Balochistan, where people have long accused Government and military officials of corruption. Locals claim their resources are exploited for development projects in major Pakistani cities, while their own regions are neglected.

The Joint Awami Action Committee had signed an agreement with the Government in October, which included biweekly meetings to review development progress. However, only three meetings have taken place in the last three months, prompting accusations of mere showmanship by the Government.

Additionally, the Pakistan Government had promised to remove several Committee members from the Exit Control List (ECL), withdraw First Information Reports (FIRs) against them, and resolve refugee seat issues. None of these promises have been fulfilled, causing further discontent.

According to the Committee, everything done by the Government since the 3 October 2025 agreement has been ineffective. A committee formed to address refugee seat matters is reportedly limited to specific issues, while the POK committee demands all issues be resolved collectively.

The Committee insists that mere token steps will not suffice this time and that it no longer trusts the Government’s assurances. Indian officials note that these developments are not surprising and reflect Pakistan’s consistent stance on POK.

Officials have warned that if issues remain unresolved, protests may escalate and could potentially spread to India.

Another official stated that the Pakistan Army controls all major decisions and has assigned retired military officers to manage intermediaries in POK. These officers are responsible for utilising the region’s resources.

Residents accuse these officials of diverting funds to Pakistan’s main areas without improving local conditions. Much of the funding is allegedly embezzled by military officers, with widespread corruption allegations causing unrest even within the army.

Recently, a letter from the Guardians of Honour accused Asim Munir of incompetence, cruelty, and corruption. An official commented that the Pakistan Government has long deceived its people with false promises. It is only a matter of time before the situation in POK slips beyond the control of those in Pakistan.

– KK/ABM (Daily Kiran)