Civil Unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

News Summary on Civil Unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)

1. Background and Protests:

   • Civil unrest in PoK has been fueled by demands for economic justice and political representation.
   • The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), formed in 2023, has led protests against rising electricity tariffs and inflation, presenting a 38-point Charter of Demands:
     • Access to subsidised wheat flour.
     • Fair electricity pricing tied to local hydropower costs.
     • Abolishment of the 12 reserved seats for refugees in the PoK Legislative Assembly.

2. Government Response and Violence:

   • The JAAC was banned for “engaging in terrorism” under a 2014 anti-terrorism law.
   • Protests led to clashes resulting in at least 30 deaths and hundreds injured during police confrontations, especially notable clashes on June 8, which killed 11 individuals, including police officers.
   • A compensation package of PKR 10 billion for electricity improvements was announced, along with funds for health card implementation.

3. Electoral Context:

   • Elections for the PoK regional government are scheduled for July 27.
   • The JAAC planned protests coinciding with the opening of nominations, specifically focusing on the discontent surrounding the 12 reserved refugee seats.

4. Key Statistics:

   • PoK’s Legislative Assembly has 53 seats:
     • 45 are directly elected (33 general public, 12 reserved for refugees).
     • 8 seats reserved for women and technocrats, filled by nominations.
   • The 12 reserved seats represent around 436,000 registered voters, while the other 33 seats represent about 3.3 million voters.

5. Constitutional References:

   • The Supreme Court of PoK ruled that the 12 seats reserved for refugees are constitutionally protected, and any abolition requires a constitutional amendment.

6. International Concern and Reactions:

   • India urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for alleged human rights abuses in PoK, citing police brutality during protests.
   • Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, condemned the crackdown on protests as indicative of worsening human rights conditions.
   • British parliamentarians expressed concerns and urged diplomatic engagement to ease tensions.

7. Political and Social Dynamics:

   • Despite claims of autonomy, Pakistan exerts political influence in PoK, requiring elected officials to affirm loyalty to the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan.
   • The situation reflects broader issues of representation, governance, and human rights within the region.

8. Government Schemes and Subsidies:

   • An $86.25 million subsidy program was approved in response to ongoing protests.
   • Regional authorities have increased security measures, deploying paramilitary troops to control unrest and implementing internet restrictions.

9. Conclusion:

   • The protests in PoK underscore significant tensions over economic conditions, political representation, and broader human rights issues, with implications for regional stability and international relations.