Why In News?
Widespread protests across Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) signal a deepening legitimacy crisis as residents reject Islamabad’s centralized, extractive administration.
About Pok
Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) refers to the part of the erstwhile princely State of Jammu & Kashmir that has been under Pakistan's control since the 1947–48 India-Pakistan War.
India considers the entire region an integral and inalienable part of India, while Pakistan administers it as Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The UN Security Council Resolution 47 (1948) called for Pakistan to first withdraw its forces and tribesmen before any plebiscite could be considered, a condition that was never fulfilled.
What Triggered the Recent Protests?
Reserved Assembly Seats: The Supreme Court of Azad Kashmir ruled that the 12 legislative seats reserved for refugees in Pakistan cannot be abolished without a constitutional amendment, sparking a boycott of the July 2026 general election.
Economic Hardships: Persistent inflation, rising food prices and high fuel costs have sharply reduced household purchasing power, fuelling public anger.
Rising Cost of Living: Local traders face severe financial losses because the government fails to deliver subsidized wheat, forcing purchases at high market rates.
Mangla Dam Paradox: Despite hosting the Mangla Hydropower Project, residents face national electricity tariffs rather than lower local costs, making affordable power a core protest demand.
Governance Deficit: Protests have expanded into demands for greater political autonomy, transparency, accountability and reduced federal interference in regional governance.