Archive · 29 Jul 2026
Protests rage in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir over electoral reforms
There are big protests happening in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The protesters, led by a group called JAAC, want changes in the way elections are held.
They don't want special seats in the government for people who used to live in Kashmir but now live elsewhere in Pakistan.
The government says these seats are protected by the constitution.
The protests turned violent, with many people getting hurt or killed.
The government says armed militants caused the violence, but the protesters say they are just asking for fair treatment.
The internet has been shut down, making it hard for people to share what's happening.
The United Nations and other groups are asking for investigations and peaceful talks to solve the problem.
Protests in PoK led by JAAC demand abolition of 12 reserved seats for refugees in the legislative assembly.
Violence escalated with dozens of deaths, mass arrests, and internet shutdowns.
Government alleges militant involvement, while protesters deny and claim peaceful demands.
UN and Amnesty International call for investigations and restoration of internet services.
India blames Pakistan for systemic exploitation of PoK, while Pakistan accuses India of funding protests.
- Who
- Protesters led by Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) vs. Pakistani government and security forces
- What
- Violent protests demanding electoral reforms and abolition of reserved seats for refugees
- When
- Protests began in June, escalated in run-up to regional elections
- Where
- Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)
- Why
- Dispute over reserved seats for refugees and perceived political disenfranchisement
Protesters' Perspective
Pakistani Government's Perspective
Cause of Violence
Protesters' Perspective
Protesters claim they are peacefully demanding electoral reforms and abolition of reserved seats for refugees.
Pakistani Government's Perspective
Government alleges armed militants infiltrated protests and attacked security personnel.
Internet Shutdown
Protesters' Perspective
Protesters view internet shutdown as a means to suppress their voice and hide government actions.
Pakistani Government's Perspective
Government claims internet shutdown is necessary to maintain public order and prevent misinformation.
JAAC's Role
Protesters' Perspective
JAAC denies being a militant organization and rejects allegations of receiving support from India.
Pakistani Government's Perspective
Government alleges JAAC is a proscribed organization attempting to sabotage elections with militant support.
- Region
- Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)
- Protest Leaders
- Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC)
- Main Demand
- Abolition of 12 reserved seats for refugees in PoK legislative assembly
- Death Toll
- At least 30-40 people killed since June (disputed)
- Internet Shutdown
- Imposed across much of PoK to control protests
- JAAC Status
- Banned under anti-terrorism laws by regional government
- UN Response
- Called for investigations into deaths and meaningful political dialogue
- India's Stance
- Blames Pakistan for systemic exploitation of PoK