Tensions Escalate in Pakistan-administered Kashmir Amid Protests and Government Crackdown
Islamabad, Pakistan – Tensions Escalate in Kashmir Amid Protests and Shutdown
An uneasy calm has settled over Pakistan-administered Kashmir as the region enters its fourth day of a complete shutdown, following violent clashes that have left at least 15 people dead, including three police officers. The unrest, which erupted during protests against rising living costs and government inaction, has resulted in dozens of injuries on both sides, intensifying the standoff between demonstrators and security forces.
The federal government has dispatched a negotiating committee to Muzaffarabad, the territory’s capital, in a bid to engage with the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). This umbrella organization, representing traders and civil society groups, has emerged as the voice of grassroots discontent, leading the lockdown that began on September 29.
The usually bustling markets of Muzaffarabad remain shuttered, and public transport has come to a standstill, leaving the region’s four million residents in a state of uncertainty. The government has imposed a communications blackout, cutting off mobile and internet access since September 28, further isolating the populace.
In a statement, the government urged citizens to remain calm and not to be swayed by what they termed “propaganda” circulating on social media. However, the JAAC’s protest, the third major mobilization in two years, was sparked by the government’s failure to address a 38-point list of demands, which includes calls for structural reforms and the abolition of privileges for the ruling elite.
Roots of the Unrest
The current crisis has its roots in earlier protests that began in May 2023, when residents took to the streets over soaring electricity bills and complaints of flour shortages. By August, these grievances coalesced into organized resistance, culminating in the establishment of the JAAC in September 2023.
The protests reached a flashpoint in May 2024, resulting in violent clashes that left several dead. Although the government initially responded by agreeing to some demands, including reductions in flour prices and electricity tariffs, the peace was short-lived. In August 2025, the JAAC announced a renewed lockdown, expanding its critique beyond economic issues.
Demands of the Protesters
The JAAC’s demands encompass a wide range of issues, from free education and healthcare to major infrastructure projects. A key demand is the abolition of what the JAAC describes as “ruling elite privileges,” which include perks for high-ranking officials. Additionally, the group seeks to end the system of reserved seats for refugees in the regional legislature, arguing that these seats have led to monopolization of development funds.
Government Response
In response to the escalating situation, the local administration has called for paramilitary forces and additional police from mainland Pakistan. JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir criticized this move, asserting that local police were sufficient to maintain order.
Finance Minister Abdul Majid Khan acknowledged the deadlock in negotiations, particularly regarding the contentious issues of refugee seats and elite privileges. He defended the government’s position, stating that while many demands have been met, some require legislative processes that take time.
Looking Ahead
Negotiations between the government and JAAC representatives concluded without resolution on Thursday, with further talks scheduled for Friday. Both sides express a commitment to dialogue, yet deep-seated distrust remains following cycles of promises and disappointments.
As the situation unfolds, the government has indicated that restoring internet and mobile services will be contingent upon meaningful progress in negotiations. With the negotiation team now in Muzaffarabad, there is cautious optimism that a resolution may soon be reached, allowing the region to return to a semblance of normalcy.
