Thousands Rally In PoK Against Shehbaz Sharif Government, Call For Strike Escalates Tensions

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) witnessed one of its largest protests in recent history on Monday (29 September) as the Awami Action Committee (AAC) launched sweeping demonstrations across the region, reported NDTV.

The AAC called for a "shutter-down and wheel-jam" strike, potentially indefinite triggering heightened tensions. Islamabad deployed large numbers of security forces and cut internet access from midnight to curb mobilisation.

The civil society alliance rallied thousands, citing decades of political marginalisation and economic neglect.

The group’s 38-point charter demands structural reforms, including abolishing 12 legislative seats in the PoK assembly reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, which locals say undermines representative governance.

They also demand subsidised flour, fairer power tariffs linked to the Mangla hydropower project, and the implementation of delayed reforms promised by Islamabad.

Authorities responded with heavy force, staging flag marches and sealing city entry points. They deployed thousands of troops from Punjab and sent an additional 1,000 police personnel to reinforce security.

District Magistrate Mudasser Farooq warned, "Peace is the collective responsibility of citizens and the administration."

After 13 hours of talks collapsed over refugee assembly seats, Mir vowed to press ahead with the shutdown. Traders opened shops early for citizens to stock essentials before Monday's (29 September) potentially decisive confrontation.

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