Protests in PoK brutally suppressed by Pakistan

BILATERAL – INDIA-ASIA

14 JUNE 2026

• Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which Pakistan calls Azad Jammu and Kashmir, has witnessed repeated protests since 2023 over:

1. Rising electricity tariffs
2. Inflation and high cost of living
3. Demand for subsidised wheat flour
4. Greater political representation
5. Opposition to 12 reserved refugee seats in the PoK Assembly
6. The protests are being led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a coalition of civil society groups, traders, students, and socio-religious organisations.

Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC

• Formed in 2023 during protests against inflation and electricity prices.
• Issued a 38-point Charter of Demands.
• Key demands:
  • Subsidised wheat flour
  • Fair electricity pricing based on local hydropower production from the Mangla Dam
  • Abolition of 12 reserved refugee seats in the Assembly

Reservation for Refugees

• The 12 seats are reserved for descendants of people who migrated from Jammu & Kashmir to Pakistan during Partition.
• Protesters argue that most refugees now live permanently in Pakistan. They do not experience local governance issues in PoK and their votes carry disproportionate political influence.
• A refugee vote has significantly greater electoral weight than a vote cast by a resident of PoK.

Composition of PoK Assembly

Category	Seats
General elected seats	33
Refugee seats	12
Reserved/Nominated seats	8
Total	53

Category	Registered Voters
Refugee seats (12)	~4.36 lakh
Remaining 33 seats	~33 lakh

Why is it politically significant?

• Pakistan officially describes PoK as having self-governance and a right to self-determination.
• However, assembly candidates must sign loyalty oaths supporting accession of Jammu & Kashmir to Pakistan.
• Critics argue this allows Islamabad substantial influence over PoK politics.
• The refugee seats are therefore seen by many protesters as a mechanism through which Pakistan influences regional politics.

Supreme Court Position

• On 7 June 2026, the Supreme Court of PoK issued an advisory opinion in a presidential reference that the 12 refugee seats are constitutionally protected. They cannot be abolished through executive action.
• Only a constitutional amendment can remove them.
• This significantly weakened the protesters’ immediate demand.

Timeline of Protests

May 2024

• JAAC organised a march to Muzaffarabad.
• Around 70 activists were arrested.
• Clashes with police resulted in 4 deaths and hundreds injured
• Pakistan approved an $86.25 million subsidy package.

October 2025

• Talks between JAAC and authorities broke down.
• Fresh protests erupted.
• At least 10 people were killed.
• Government accepted some demands:
  • Compensation for victims
  • Health card funding
  • PKR 10 billion for electricity infrastructure

June 2026

• Elections scheduled for 27 July 2026.
• JAAC announced another protest march demanding abolition of refugee seats.
• Government banned JAAC under anti-terror laws.
• Bounties were announced for some leaders.
• Violent clashes followed in Mirpur, Rawalakot and Muzaffarabad
• More than 30 deaths have been reported.
• Internet restrictions and deployment of paramilitary forces followed.

India’s Reaction

• The Ministry of External Affairs accused Pakistan of police brutality, human rights violations and civilian killings
• Farooq Abdullah also called for a UN investigation into the violence.
• Pakistan rejected India’s criticism and accused India of denying Kashmiris the right to self-determination.

International Response

• Amnesty International criticised the crackdown.
• Nearly 30 British parliamentarians urged the UK government to promote de-escalation and investigate reports of arrests, communication blackouts, and violence.