Islamabad, August 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Protests against alleged repression by Pakistani authorities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have intensified following deaths during demonstrations in Rawalakot, with Kashmiri diaspora groups staging protests in several countries and demanding accountability.
According to a report published by Eurasia Review, the unrest has exposed growing tensions between the Pakistani authorities and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a coalition of traders, civil society groups and activists.
The movement initially focused on demands including lower electricity tariffs and subsidised flour but subsequently expanded into a 38-point charter. Among its demands is the abolition of 12 Legislative Assembly seats reserved for refugees, which the JAAC regards as a mechanism for Islamabad to retain political influence in the region.
The report said negotiations between the authorities and the JAAC broke down in June. On June 5, authorities declared the organisation proscribed under anti-terrorism laws, suspended internet and mobile services and announced regional elections for late July. Amnesty International criticised the move, warning against the use of anti-terror legislation against political protesters.
The confrontation turned deadly in Rawalakot when police and paramilitary forces moved to disperse demonstrators. The deaths subsequently triggered protests among Kashmiri communities overseas.
In London, protesters gathered outside Pakistan’s diplomatic mission on June 9, followed by a larger march on July 5 towards the Pakistan High Commission. Demonstrators demanded the release of detainees, an investigation into civilian deaths and restoration of communications.
Solidarity protests were also reported in Bradford and in the United States. Kashmiri communities from Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia demonstrated near the White House on July 11, calling for international intervention and accountability over alleged human rights violations.
The mobilisation continued in August. Members of the Kashmiri diaspora in Belgium marched from the European Parliament to the United Nations office in Brussels, protesting alleged killings of civilians by Pakistani forces and restrictions on essential services.
The issue has also drawn concern from British parliamentarians. Labour MP Liam Byrne described reports of live fire being used against peaceful protesters in PoK as “deeply alarming”. Another British MP, Adnan Hussain, called the deaths of civilians a “tragedy” and said any alleged excessive or unlawful use of force should be subjected to a full, independent and transparent investigation.
The protests and international demonstrations have added pressure on Islamabad over its handling of political dissent in PoK, with protesters continuing to demand restoration of communications, investigations into deaths and accountability for alleged abuses.
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