In Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), tensions are escalating as the region’s “illegal” government seeks to undermine the fundamental rights of its citizens through a contentious “presidential” ordinance. This ordinance imposes strict penalties on what it deems ‘illegal’ public gatherings, rallies, and protests in PoJK. It closely resembles the Public Order and Peaceful Assembly Act of 2024, which the federal government introduced in Islamabad last September. Both pieces of legislation grant the authorities extensive powers to approve or deny permits for public assemblies and enforce severe penalties for violations. Due to this stringent law, considerable unrest has erupted in PoJK, leading to a nearly complete wheel-jam and shutter-down strike throughout the region. Recent months have witnessed numerous protests, reflecting a growing resistance against the unlawful Pakistani governance in PoJK.
The ongoing protests are led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a coalition of civil society activists advocating for rights in PoJK. Local citizens are coming out in large numbers to reject the draconian ordinance, which the PoJK Supreme Court has reportedly annulled. However, the organizing committee does not trust the Court’s ruling and demands the complete repeal of the law. The PoJK administration has dismissed the key demands of JKJAAC and warned of strict actions against the civilians. The unrest in PoJK followed a call for protests from some groups against the “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance 2024,” which was promulgated on October 29 and continued into November.
On November 22, at least 30 people were injured in clashes between police and protesters in the southern town of Kotli in PoJK. Protests also occurred in Rawalakot, led by local factions of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), the National Awami Party (NAP), and the National Students Federation (NSF). Demonstrators burned copies of the ordinance, prompting police to file complaints against 25 individuals and 200 unidentified people. Four individuals were arrested during these peaceful protests. The Pakistani government did not foresee such a significant response from local groups and residents of PoJK regarding the draconian ordinance.
Tahira Toqeer, a leader of the JKLF, accused police of using unwarranted excessive force. Officers discharged tear gas into shops where people sought safety and initiated a harsh baton charge, with videos circulating on social media. Some protesters claimed online that police had set vehicles on fire at the Public Works Department (PWD) Rest House to “frame” demonstrators. Interestingly, Pakistan’s mainstream media has largely ignored the ongoing protests in PoJK. However, social media showcases numerous videos and images of the strike, indicating widespread public anger. The local administration is now advocating for serious legal action against the protesters, while the JKJAAC intends to amplify the civilian movement until the ordinance is repealed. While strike supporters echoed the cabinet’s view, others noted that the Supreme Court only suspended the ordinance’s enforcement until the case is finally adjudicated, rather than repealing it.
Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a key member of JKJAAC, expressed, “Our initiative is focused on safeguarding the citizens’ fundamental rights in this state, rights that are compromised by this law. A peaceful strike will send a strong and unambiguous message about the people’s dedication to civil liberties.” He also claimed that the PoJK government plans to withdraw the benefits on electricity and wheat. Earlier this year, the region witnessed violent protests against rising electricity costs and reductions in subsidies for essential food items like wheat.
The Pakistani government has been illegally exploiting PoJK’s natural resources, specifically water and electricity, directing them towards projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Experts believe that China uses Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) and PoJK as part of a wider geopolitical strategy. Over the years, Beijing has cultivated a lopsided economic and trade dependence on Islamabad. Many Chinese companies are also building dams and major infrastructure projects in PoGB and PoJK, which has greatly impacted the local communities, who are facing a severe unemployment crisis in the occupied territories.
Many Kashmiri human rights activists have expressed serious concerns about the ongoing human rights abuses in PoJK. Reports indicate that activists involved in the May protests—demanding lower electricity bills and the restoration of subsidies for essential items like flour—were systematically targeted by Pakistani authorities. Moreover, incidents of enforced disappearances have sharply increased in PoJK. The abduction of family members, activists, and locals has driven people to protest in the streets. One notable case involved Raja Mudassir, a resident of PoJK, who was kidnapped by Pakistani security agencies during Ramadan, with his whereabouts still unknown. This incident sparked significant protests throughout various parts of the occupied region. In light of the recent civilian unrest, local organizations have warned that they will escalate their protests by blocking access to the occupied region from neighboring provinces such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
The PoJK people feel strongly about the measures taken to control their liberties, and the strike’s success suggests a larger confrontation may be brewing. One organizer stated, “Our campaign is for the fundamental rights of the citizens of this state, which this law compromises. A peaceful strike will send a loud and clear message about the people’s commitment to civil liberties.” It should be noted that JKJAAC also held large protests earlier this year, ultimately forcing the local PoJK administration to accede to its demands. Pakistan’s military establishment is concerned that their attempts to exert control over the occupied territory forcefully have triggered strong responses from the local population.
One JKJAAC member accused the local administration of “stubbornness” for refusing to release detained activists and repeal the “black law,” claiming these actions are part of a military establishment agenda to create unrest in PoJK. As civil groups plan to expand their movement on the ordinance issue, the likelihood of targeted attacks, false charges, and enforced disappearances of activists by federal agencies in PoJK is increasing. The region is heading for greater instability in the coming weeks. (Daily Asian Age)