Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Gen Z Students Protest University Policies and Violence in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
Young students in a region called Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are protesting because they are unhappy with their universities.
They are upset about higher school fees and problems with their test scores.
A new computer system used for grading exams made mistakes, causing students to get low marks or even wrong grades, and it took many months for the results to come out.
When students wanted to have their tests checked again, the university charged a lot of money for it.
The protests became more serious when someone shot at the students, hurting one of them.
Now, the students are also protesting against the government and the military.
The university has banned student groups, which the students believe is unfair.
They want the university to forgive the fees for rechecking their tests.
These protests are similar to ones happening in other countries where young people are speaking out about important issues.
Gen Z students in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are protesting against university fee hikes and faulty exam results due to a new digital assessment system.
Thousands of students reported disappointment with delayed and inaccurate exam marks, with some receiving incorrect subject grades.
The university administration denied claims of significant fee increases, stating only a 10% annual adjustment and withdrawing a proposed transport fee hike.
Protests escalated after a student was injured by gunfire, leading to road blockades and anti-government and anti-military slogans.
The university administration responded by banning student unions and political activities on campus, a move criticized by students.
- Who
- Gen Z students in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK)
- What
- Protesting against university fee hikes, faulty exam results from a new digital assessment system, and broader issues of corruption and mismanagement, which escalated into wider anti-government demonstrations following a shooting incident.
- When
- Early November
- Where
- University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (UAJK) in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
- Why
- Triggered by a new digital assessment system leading to delayed and inaccurate exam results, coupled with fee hikes and a high rechecking fee. The protests evolved to encompass grievances like corruption, unemployment, and mismanagement, further intensified by a violent incident.
Student Grievances
Government and University Administration Stance
Fee Hikes and Rechecking Costs
Student Grievances
Students are protesting massive fee hikes and a Rs 1,500 per subject rechecking fee, which is unaffordable for many families.
Government and University Administration Stance
The university administration denies reports of significant fee increases, stating only a 10% annual adjustment and withdrawing a proposed transport fee hike.
Exam Results and Digital System
Student Grievances
Thousands of students received delayed and inaccurate exam results due to a new digital assessment system, with some receiving incorrect grades.
Government and University Administration Stance
A committee has been formed by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education in Mirpur to review the e-marking process.
Suppression of Dissent
Student Grievances
The government banned student unions and political activities on campus, which students view as an attempt to suppress their rights and political expression.
Government and University Administration Stance
The university administration stated the ban on student unions and political activities was intended to restore order and ensure safety after violence broke out.
Violence During Protests
Student Grievances
A student was injured by gunfire during a protest, with eyewitnesses alleging that individuals backed by the Pakistani ISI opened fire. The alleged perpetrator, Raja Mamoon Fahad, fled the scene despite police presence.
Government and University Administration Stance
The government is taking measures to put down protests due to their potential to gain traction nationwide, indicating a concern for maintaining stability.
- Location
- Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (UAJK) in Muzaffarabad
- Protest Trigger
- University fee hikes, faulty digital exam assessment system, delayed and inaccurate exam results.
- Escalation
- Protests turned violent after gunfire injured a student; road blockades and anti-government/military slogans were used.
- Student Demands
- Waiver of Rs 1,500 per subject rechecking fee, addressing corruption and mismanagement.
- Administration Response
- Formation of a committee to review e-marking, ban on student unions and political activities.
- Government Concern
- Worry that protests could spread and become a nationwide movement.