Tensions escalated in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Thursday as at the very least three policemen had been killed and over 100 individuals had been injured throughout ongoing protests towards the Shehbaz Sharif authorities, Geo TV reported. The unrest started earlier this week after the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Motion Committee (JKJAAC) accused the Pakistan authorities of denying basic rights to the area’s residents.
The dying toll in PoK has surpassed twelve, highlighting the brutal measures employed by Pakistani forces towards their very own individuals. Large demonstrations led by the Awami Motion Committee have pressured a shutdown of markets, outlets, native companies, and transport companies throughout PoK. Protesters have submitted a 38-point constitution of calls for, together with the elimination of 12 meeting seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan.
Sharif Authorities Provides Talks, Warns of Strict Motion
Geo Information reported that the Sharif authorities has supplied negotiations with the JKJAAC amid the protests. Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry acknowledged that 90 p.c of the committee’s calls for have already been accepted. The PoK Chief Secretary has invited JKJAAC leaders for talks however has additionally warned them of strict motion if the protests proceed.
Leaders Accuse Pakistani Forces of Oppression, Exterior Blame Narrative
The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Motion Committee (JKJAAC) has raised issues over the usage of extreme drive towards civilians through the protests. Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a senior chief of the Awami Motion Committee in PoK, accused the Pakistani authorities and navy of oppressing native residents, likening their actions to a witch decided to hurt individuals. He added that the area, sometimes called “Azad Kashmir,” will not be really free.
Professional-Pakistani social media shops have described the continued protests in PoK as orchestrated by exterior forces, relatively than specializing in resolving points with the affected communities. This method of attributing inner unrest to outdoors actors is a recurring sample.
Experiences counsel that the Pakistani authorities are systematically making an attempt to suppress the inhabitants.