PoJK Erupts in Anger as Pakistan’s Coercive Policies Fuel Fear and Resistance

## Pakistan’s Heavy-Handed Approach Fuels Unrest in PoJK as Rawalakot Faces Bloodshed Fears ### Rising Tensions and Calls for Intervention in Rawalakot Clashes between security personnel and supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Rawalakot, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), have resulted in casualties, prompting urgent calls for government intervention to prevent further violence. The situation has been exacerbated by Pakistan’s heavy-handed approach, which has fueled unrest in the region. Former PoJK Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khan has appealed to the authorities to take immediate action to address the crisis. According to reports by The Express Tribune, Haider warned that further bloodshed could aggravate the situation, emphasizing the need for urgent measures to prevent more violence. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has also expressed serious concern over the fresh violence, including casualties on both sides, and reiterated its demand for immediate government intervention and meaningful negotiations. The HRCP has called on the federal and PoJK governments to address public grievances through political dialogue rather than force, stressing the importance of unrestricted media access to the region. ## Background to the Unrest The latest unrest is rooted in a prolonged JAAC-led movement demanding constitutional and administrative reforms. The movement seeks the abolition of 12 refugee-reserved seats in the PoJK Legislative Assembly, the withdrawal of privileges enjoyed by political elites, and changes to the existing quota system. Tensions intensified after the government banned the JAAC on June 6, ahead of its planned June 9 long march. The ban has been seen as a heavy-handed approach by the government, which has further fueled the unrest in the region. ## Government Response In response to the growing unrest, the PoJK government has introduced fresh restrictions on firearm licences. A notification issued by the Home Department directed all licensed weapon holders to register their permits at the nearest police stations within 10 days. Licences not registered within the stipulated period will be considered cancelled. President Dr Najeeb Naqi approved the decision, citing public safety and the maintenance of law and order. However, this move is seen by many as an attempt to further restrict the rights of the people in PoJK, rather than addressing the underlying grievances that are driving the unrest. ## Calls for Meaningful Negotiations The HRCP has emphasized the need for meaningful negotiations between the government and the JAAC to address the underlying issues driving the unrest. The commission has warned that preventing further loss of life should remain the government’s foremost priority. The international community has also been urged to take notice of the situation in PoJK and to encourage the government to engage in peaceful dialogue with the JAAC. ## Conclusion The situation in Rawalakot, PoJK, remains volatile, with clashes between security personnel and supporters of the JAAC resulting in casualties. The government’s heavy-handed approach has fueled the unrest, and there are growing calls for intervention to prevent further violence. The introduction of fresh restrictions on firearm licences is seen as an attempt to further restrict the rights of the people in PoJK, rather than addressing the underlying grievances. Meaningful negotiations between the government and the JAAC are necessary to address the underlying issues driving the unrest and to prevent further bloodshed. In the coming days, the situation in PoJK is likely to remain tense, with the potential for further clashes between security personnel and supporters of the JAAC. The international community will be watching the situation closely, urging the government to engage in peaceful dialogue with the JAAC and to address the underlying grievances that are driving the unrest. The people of PoJK deserve a peaceful and stable future, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that their rights are protected and their grievances are addressed. The HRCP’s call for unrestricted media access to the region is also crucial in ensuring that the situation is reported accurately and that the voices of the people in PoJK are heard. The government must take immediate action to address the crisis and to prevent further violence. The introduction of meaningful negotiations between the government and the JAAC is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the underlying issues driving the unrest. In conclusion, the situation in PoJK remains volatile, and the government’s heavy-handed approach has fueled the unrest. The introduction of fresh restrictions on firearm licences is seen as an attempt to further restrict the rights of the people in PoJK, rather than addressing the underlying grievances. Meaningful negotiations between the government and the JAAC are necessary to address the underlying issues driving the unrest and to prevent further bloodshed. The international community must continue to urge the government to engage in peaceful dialogue with the JAAC and to address the underlying grievances that are driving the unrest.