Protests erupted in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) over unjust taxes imposed by the Pakistan administration and the arrests of dozens of activists. The demonstrations, initially planned for May 11, were triggered prematurely by the deployment of additional forces and the arrest of 70 activists, leading to clashes between protestors and security personnel.
The Pakistani administration had deployed additional troops from the Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Corps in an attempt to quell the planned protests. However, this move only served to anger the populace, prompting them to take to the streets a day earlier than planned. The protests escalated into clashes, with protestors pelting stones at security forces.
To prevent further escalation, the administration implemented Section 144 in the region. Seventy activists were detained by police to thwart a planned 'long march' by the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee. Police fired teargas shells to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to several individuals, including schoolgirls.
The protests were sparked by grievances over Pakistan-imposed taxes, rising prices, and the failure of the government to fulfill promises made in a February agreement. The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee had organized a general strike and transport strike to press the Pakistani government for compliance.
The situation remains tense, with personnel from the Frontier Corps, Rangers, and Quick Response Force patrolling the area. Additionally, police conducted raids on the homes of activist leaders, detaining several committee members.
The protests in POK echo similar demonstrations over high electricity charges in August 2023, which spread across Pakistan. These protests highlight the economic challenges faced by Pakistanis, exacerbated by inflation and IMF-imposed conditions on financial assistance packages.
