New Delhi, July 2: Voices are rising against Pakistan and its military in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Locals believe that the Pakistani army has armed the youth in Kashmir. They have warned that if Pakistan does not heed their demands, the movement could escalate towards a call for the evacuation of PoK.
Currently, a public movement is underway in PoK, marking its 24th day with a massive gathering. Serious allegations have been leveled against the Pakistani military and administration during this assembly. Sardar Aman Khan, leader of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), stated at the rally held at Eidgah Ground in Rawalakot that it was the Pakistani army that provided weapons to the Kashmiris now labeled as terrorists.
In front of approximately 80,000 attendees, Aman Khan declared, “The Pakistani army itself handed guns to the Kashmiris, and now they call us terrorists.” His statement was met with loud applause and cheers from the crowd. During his address, Aman Khan also accused the Pakistani administration of having ties with terrorist organizations.
He claimed that at an event in Rawalakot on February 5, 2025, the administration had given free rein to the banned terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed. According to him, the administration not only permitted the event but also provided security.
He alleged that armed members of Jaish-e-Mohammed marched openly in the city with AK-47 rifles and swords during the event. The crowd reacted strongly to nearly every accusation Aman Khan made against the Pakistani military, with the Eidgah Ground resonating with applause, chants, and anti-Pakistan sentiments.
Protest leaders interpreted the gathering as a clear indication of rising public discontent. At the end of the assembly, JAC leaders warned the Pakistani government to accept and implement their 38 demands through dialogue. Otherwise, thousands would march towards Muzaffarabad.
They cautioned that if this march commences, the movement’s agenda would not be limited to just 38 demands. They warned that it could evolve into a demand for the evacuation of PoK from Pakistan. This ongoing movement, now in its 24th day, appears to extend beyond just economic and administrative issues.
The large assembly in Rawalakot signals that the movement is gradually taking on a political dimension, aiming to increase pressure on the Pakistani government.
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