Mass Protests Shake PoK, Internet Shutdown Amid Rising Unrest Against Government

September 29, 2025

Protests against the Pakistani government continued in three major cities of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Shops, markets, and roads were closed across the region on Monday following an appeal by the PoK’s Awami Action Committee (AAC).

Locals have taken to the streets to protest inflation, unemployment, and Pakistani military excesses. There have also been incidents of stone-pelting against security force convoys.

Security forces opened fire on unarmed protesters in Kotli on Saturday, prompting protesters to chant slogans against the army, including “We are your death.”

The government deployed heavy security

Thousands of people are chanting slogans like “Azadi” and “Pakistan Army go back” in cities like Kotli, Rawalakot, and Muzaffarabad. The government has deployed heavy security to quell the protests.

AAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir said, “We are simply demanding our rights, which we haven’t received for 70 years. Now the government must give us our rights.”

The AAC has placed 38 demands before the government, of which three are major…

Entry of journalists banned in PoK

The Pakistani government has banned journalists and tourists from entering PoK. Local reporters are also alleging that they are being prevented from providing neutral coverage. Several human rights organizations are also raising their voices on this issue.

The internet has been shut down in PoK since midnight, with the government fearing the protests could escalate into a wider demand for independence.

There have been protests in PoK many times before.

Protests against the army and the government have occurred several times in PoK. In May of last year, people went on strike demanding cheap flour and electricity. People say that despite the Mangla Dam in PoK generating electricity, they still don’t receive affordable electricity.

Similarly, in 2023, people took to the streets to protest against rising electricity prices and the removal of wheat subsidies. In 2022, people also blocked roads and chanted slogans for freedom against a government law.