Desk : The anti-government protests in Rawalakot (PoK) intensified on Tuesday, with demonstrators hardening their stance against the Pakistan government. During a large gathering at the Eidgah ground, protesters openly declared that the region is not part of Pakistan and warned that if food supplies from Islamabad continue to be blocked, they may be forced to consider “other options.”
The protesters said they do not accept any authoritarian rule, referring to both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir. The crowd accused the government of imposing collective punishment on civilians and depriving them of basic necessities.
Sardar Aman Khan, a leader of the Jammu Kashmir Awami Action Committee (JAAC) spearheading the movement, stated from the stage that local people are no longer dependent on government ration supplies. He warned that if the supply situation continues to deteriorate, the situation on the ground could become more serious.
The protests have been ongoing for several days across various parts of PoK. Under the leadership of JAAC, demonstrators are demanding subsidized food items, electricity, clean water, better road infrastructure, employment opportunities, and corruption-free governance. Locals accuse the administration of ignoring their basic grievances for a long time.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan government has described the movement as a threat to national security. Authorities are also accused of restricting the supply of food, fuel, and medicines to pressure protesters, further worsening conditions in several areas. Essential commodities are reportedly in short supply, leading to growing public anger.
Legal action has also been taken against JAAC under anti-terrorism laws, with several key leaders facing cases. Protesters argue that these actions amount to suppression of democratic rights.
Since early June, mobile internet and social media services have been shut down in several parts of PoK, preventing information about the protests from reaching the outside world. Locals allege the blackout is intended to suppress coverage of the unrest.
The nearly two-week-long standoff has seen violent clashes with security forces, resulting in at least 22 deaths and hundreds of injuries, according to reports. Several areas remain under curfew-like restrictions, while shortages of food supplies have severely disrupted daily life.
