Rising Costs, Electricity Prices, and Political Grievances Drive Unrest.
In recent days, Pakistan-administered Kashmir (also called Azad Jammu & Kashmir, AJK) has once again erupted in large-scale protests. At least several people have been killed, dozens injured, and communications disrupted, with schools and businesses forced to close.
Key Reasons Behind the Protests
1. Soaring Food and Power Prices
Citizens complain about skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, particularly wheat and other basic foods. Electricity tariffs have also surged, despite the fact that AJK generates power for Pakistan from projects like the Mangla Dam. Protesters demand relief in energy bills and subsidized food supplies.
2. Governance and Justice Concerns
People accuse the government and politicians of prioritizing their own benefits while neglecting the needs of ordinary citizens. Many allege that resources are mismanaged and that corruption has weakened basic public services.
There is also anger over reserved legislative seats being allocated to outsiders, which residents see as undermining their representation.
3. Broken Promises
Protesters say earlier pledges, such as subsidized food and electricity, have not been implemented, or their impact has been minimal. This deepened the public’s distrust of the authorities.
4. Restrictions on Civil Rights
Discontent has also grown over restrictive laws like the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance 2024, which limits the right to protest. Authorities have further angered people by shutting down mobile networks and internet access to block gatherings and the flow of information.
Consequences of the Protests
1. Both civilians and police officers have been killed, and many others injured.
2. Schools, markets, transport services, and daily activities have been disrupted by strikes, clashes, and communication blackouts.
3. Governments at both the federal and AJK levels have opened talks with protest leaders, and while some demands have been agreed upon, contentious issues like legislative reforms remain unresolved.
What Does This Unrest Show?
The renewed protests highlight widespread frustration in AJK over governance, resource distribution, inflation, and political representation. For many residents, the unrest is a cry for fairness, justice, and real solutions to everyday struggles.