The ongoing disturbances and deadly firing in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) stem from violent clashes between the Pakistan military and local civilians protesting rising living costs, electricity shortages, and government neglect. The crisis recently escalated when authorities banned the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) under anti-terrorism laws, triggering a harsh security crackdown and mass arrests. Tensions reached a boiling point when security forces attempted to disperse JAAC supporters gathered outside a hospital morgue in Rawalakot following an earlier shooting incident. Clashes between protesters and armed forces resulted in significant casualties, with varying reports of 11 to over two dozen deaths, including both civilians and security personnel.
Extraordinarily, all this is being done by an establishment that offers Kashmir ‘freedom’ from Indian oppression. The obsession with Pakistan’s ‘religious’ identity has reached another height under the present leadership of ‘Field Marshal’ Asif Munir, entirely overlooking the direction politics has been taking in the country and its provinces. In comparison, the ‘ruling’ party, the PML(N), has shown signs of an increasing pragmatism regarding national and international policy.
The disturbances in PoK follow on the already seriously disturbed condition in Baluchistan, where security forces are under attack from, both, internal and external forces. On top of all that, the most popular political leader, Imran Khan, remains in jail – having failed during his term to bring about the necessary pragmatic reforms.
- While, in ‘normal’ times, such disturbances would be generally overlooked by the Pakistani ruling class, the highly stressed economy, dependent almost entirely on IMF handouts, has awakened the common people. The disturbances in PoK have been sparked by a combination of, both, economic and political difficulties inflicted by the government in Islamabad. Protests were initially sparked by exorbitant electricity tariffs and skyrocketing costs of basic food items and flour. Locals also argue they are denied a fair share of the wealth generated by PoK’s natural resources (such as hydroelectricity and timber). The JAAC spearheaded a list of 38 demands, calling for real legislative power to be transferred to the elected PoJK Assembly rather than being dictated by Islamabad. Citizens are also demanding an end to heavy subsidies and perks given to regional ministers and government officials.
These is the situation within Pakistan that is generally ignored by the international community mostly because it is a willing tool for the US and China. However, it is a matter of concern for India as the tendency has always been to distract attention from this reality through terrorist attacks across the border and inflaming passions within the country. Although, Operation Sindoor has served as a deterrent, the threat remains and should be anticipated by India’s intelligence services.
