Amid the intensifying political unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), the main protest group Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has called a grand and final protest today after Pakistan failed to meet its 48-hour deadline.  The group is demanding the release of its arrested leaders, an end to the crackdown, restoration of communication services, uninterrupted supplies of food and medicines, and implementation of a 38-point agreement.

 

Thousands of people have joined protests across Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Haveli, Pulandri, Dadyal and other areas, raising slogans in support of freedom and demanding a referendum. Pakistani authorities have banned the JAAC under the Anti-Terrorism Act, arrested more than 1,000 people, including over 600 civil rights activists, and deployed additional security forces across the region. Protesters have also accused the government of imposing an economic blockade by restricting food, flour and medicine supplies.

 

JAAC leaders claim their bank accounts have been frozen and their identity documents seized. Reports also suggest clashes between protesters and security forces in several areas, with roads blocked and sit-ins continuing despite the crackdown.

 

Amid the unrest, a JAAC leader appealed to India for humanitarian assistance, citing shortages of food and medicines. He urged India to open the Line of Control (LoC) for the supply of essential goods and said civilians should be allowed to move to India if the situation worsens. Meanwhile, senior Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader Hafiz Hamdullah criticised Pakistan’s military and government over their handling of the protests.