Why the protests have flared again in Pakistan-administered Kashmir
Pakistan-administered Kashmir, also known as Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), is gripped by renewed protests as authorities battle a street-level movement that has repeatedly shown its staying power. On Thursday, the region marked the fourth day of a complete shutdown, with authorities reporting at least 15 fatalities, including three police officers, and many more injured in clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The JAAC, a broad umbrella representing traders and civil society groups, has led the push, while the federal government dispatched a negotiating committee to Muzaffarabad for talks.
The immediate spark appears linked to a breakdown in negotiations over a 38-point charter presented by JAAC, but the deeper tensions run far beyond a single set of demands. Residents have long complained about electricity tariffs, subsidised staple shortages, and what they describe as governance gaps that allow a distant, centralized apparatus to shape life in the valley. The protests are the latest chapter in a two-year confrontation between local authorities and a grassroots movement that has demonstrated its capacity to mobilise across districts when voices feel unheard.
From electricity and flour to a broader political agenda
Although the latest flare-up began as economic grievance, including sharp electricity price spikes and concerns over flour subsidies, JAAC leaders say their demands reflect systemic injustices. The protests reflect a shift from episodic demonstrations to sustained political pressure, aiming to influence both provincial governance and resource allocation. In the wider regional context, JAAC’s actions have, at times, drawn attention to questions about how revenue, development funds, and political representation are distributed in a semi-autonomous territory that sits at the heart of the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan.
The 38-point charter
The charter consolidates a broad set of requests, ranging from social services to structural reforms. Top items include the abolition of “ruling elite privileges”—a long-standing grievance about perks enjoyed by senior officials, such as vehicles, staff, and fuel allowances—and a demand to end the 12 reserved seats for refugees in the territory’s legislative assembly. The refugees, whose families migrated after the 1947 partition, are described by JAAC as a politically powerful bloc that has benefited from development funds at the expense of other areas. Additional calls include judicial reviews of protest-era prosecutions, tax exemptions, and improved employment opportunities.
Infrastructure projects feature prominently as well: proposals for tunnels and bridges to connect AJK with the rest of Pakistan, and the revival of Muzaffarabad’s dormant airport, along with studies on a second airport in Mirpur. The JAAC argues that such projects would unlock economic potential and reduce regional disparities, while the government contends that many measures require federal funding and longer timelines.
How authorities are handling the crisis
The state has responded with a combination of security and restrictions: a communications blackout since late September, suspension of educational activities, and the planned deployment of paramilitary forces alongside local police. While the JAAC contests the need for external security deployments, officials say maintaining order is essential amid the disruption caused by the shutdown. Negotiations are ongoing, with the latest round reported to be inconclusive but continuing, as both sides publicly reaffirm their commitment to dialogue.
Negotiations and shutdowns
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration has defended concessions made in earlier rounds of talks, noting progress on several points while noting that some items—such as ending refugee-reserved seats and trimming elite perks—will require political consensus at higher levels. The government has warned against propaganda and “fake news” circulating online, suggesting that misinformation could escalate tensions. The next round of talks was scheduled to move forward, with no immediate resolution announced as talks continue in Muzaffarabad.
<h2Looking ahead: possible outcomes and risks
Analysts caution that while negotiations offer a path back from suspended lifelines, the core grievances—economic fairness, transparent governance, and meaningful political representation—will not vanish overnight. The outcome hinges on sustained dialogue, credible reform steps, and a credible plan to deliver essential services without triggering further outages or street protests. The situation remains fragile, with police, civil society, and residents watching closely for signals from Islamabad and Muzaffarabad about how and when normal life can resume.
What life looks like for residents amid the shutdown
For millions living in AJK, the shutdown translates into daily disruptions: shuttered markets, limited mobility, and uncertainty about schools and work. In Muzaffarabad and other districts, the absence of reliable internet and mobile connectivity compounds concerns about safety, access to information, and economic activity. As negotiations continue, residents are awaiting a clear path toward restoring services and addressing the most pressing economic grievances while safeguarding political rights.
