Anger against the ruling Shehbaz Sharif government in Pakistan has triggered massive unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) since Monday. Protesters led by Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) took out mammoth rallies across the region as part of the shutter-down and wheel jam strike, which plunged into violence.
According to local media reports, commercial centres, transportation, and schools were shut down while a communication blackout, including suspension of landlines, was imposed across the region.
However, angry protesters took to the streets, following which Pakistani forces brought in troops to quell the protest. Though Pakistani media is yet to confirm the reports, footage and reports from the occupied region claim four people died in the firings.
⚡ Massive protests in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) against Pakistani Govt. Pak forces bring thousands of troops from Punjab to crush protest. Internet shutdown from midnight in PoK. pic.twitter.com/dMwBRC1dMZ
— OSINT Updates (@OsintUpdates) September 29, 2025
The bullet shells being shown by civilians of Pakistan Occupied Jammu & Kashmir which were fired by Pakistani forces.
— Faraz Pervaiz (@FarazPervaiz3) September 29, 2025
Pakistan Army desperate to crush the civilian uprising in PoK even as every hour thousands of people continue to protest for their 38-point demands. pic.twitter.com/HOfI0x1ZdV
Videos doing the rounds on social media show thousands on the streets, especially in the Kotli area of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Some protesters were seen firing in the air while others were seen setting vehicles on fire. Local people were also caught on camera displaying bullet shells from the firing at protesters carried out by the Pakistani army.
The strike was called by the Public Action Committee, which has put forward a 38-point charter of demands, including an end to the 12 reserved seats for refugees and the rollback of privileges enjoyed by the elite.
AAC leader Sawkat Nawaz Mir said, "Our campaign is for the fundamental rights that our people have been deprived of for over 70 years... either give them the rights or face the wrath of the people." He said the lockdown was plan A, while the alliance had also prepared plans B and C. “And plan D,” he warned, “is the harshest.”
Brute show of power
Islamabad has responded to the protests with force. Heavily armed patrols have been deployed across the region and additional forces have been brought in from neighboring Punjab province, the Pakistani news website Dawn reported.
