Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Student Protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Threaten Nationwide Unrest
Students in a region called PoK, which is part of Pakistan, are very upset.
They are protesting because they don't like how their exams are graded and because school costs are going up.
They are also unhappy with the Pakistan military and government, saying they are being treated unfairly.
The government has banned student groups and arrested some students to try and stop the protests.
Some people worry that these protests could spread to other parts of Pakistan, like what happened in countries like Nepal and Bangladesh when students protested against similar problems.
An organization called JKJAAC has said they will support the students, which might make the protests stronger.
Student-led protests have erupted in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) over issues including exam demerit, rising fees, and an e-marking policy affecting 10,000 students.
The government has responded by banning student unions and political activities, and engaging in arbitrary arrests and suppression of protests.
Protests are seen as mirroring student movements in Nepal and Bangladesh, which addressed corruption, lack of opportunities, and development issues.
Intelligence agencies warn of the potential for the protests to escalate into a nationwide movement within PoK and Pakistan.
The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) has pledged support to the students, potentially strengthening their cause against the establishment.
- Who
- Students in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)
- What
- Protesting against exam policies, rising fees, and alleged atrocities by the Pakistan military and government, leading to government bans and arrests.
- When
- Currently ongoing, following protests last month by political classes and activists.
- Where
- Primarily at the University of Azad Kashmir, with potential to spread nationwide in PoK and Pakistan.
- Why
- Student grievances over academic policies and fees, coupled with broader issues of corruption, lack of development, and alleged human rights violations by authorities.
- Location
- Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)
- Initiating Group
- Students
- Key Student Grievances
- Exam demerit, rising fees, e-marking policy affecting 10,000 students
- Government Response
- Ban on student unions and political activities, arbitrary arrests, suppression of protests
- Potential Alliances
- Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC)
- Broader Concerns
- Corruption, lack of opportunities, lack of development, human rights violations