PoK Erupts: Thousands March On Muzaffarabad Today After Deadly Firing Kills 8, Pakistan Deploys 16,000

The Joint Awami Action Committee is leading thousands toward the PoK capital on Wednesday. Pakistan has deployed 16,000 personnel and opened fire in multiple districts. MEA says the violence exposes “decades of exploitation” under Islamabad.

Muzaffarabad is bracing for one of the largest protests the region has seen in years. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) will lead a mass march to the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday, after its ultimatum to Islamabad expired. Organisers expect crowds from Rawalakot, Mirpur, Kotli and Bagh to converge on the city, bringing shutdowns and transport disruptions across the region.

At the centre of the march is a 38-point charter demanding cheaper wheat and electricity, better public services, the release of arrested activists, and the abolition of 12 “refugee” seats in the 53-member PoK Assembly, which protesters say are used to sideline local parties.

The call for the march has already been met with force.

On Tuesday, Pakistani Rangers opened fire on demonstrators in Sudhanoti and Mathiyal Mera, killing at least eight protesters, according to local media. Tear gas and live ammunition were used to disperse rallies in eight districts ahead of the march. One Pakistan Ranger was also reported dead in the clashes.

Over the past month, more than 20 people have reportedly died in police-protester confrontations. Islamabad has responded by stationing over 16,000 security personnel across PoK and imposing communication blackouts in several areas.

JAAC leaders say the crackdown has only strengthened their resolve, warning that if the demands are ignored, the agitation will expand beyond the current charter.

The JAAC movement began over economic distress but has grown into a broader challenge to how PoK is governed.

The key demands:

On Tuesday, New Delhi described the events in PoK as evidence of Pakistan’s long-standing failures in the region. “The ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir are a direct consequence, and indeed evidence, of decades of exploitation, the denial of fundamental rights, and administrative repression under Pakistan’s illegal and forcible occupation of the region. Instead of addressing legitimate grievances, authorities have resorted to excessive police brutality, including against women and children. Essential supplies such as food and medicines have been blocked, internet blackouts have been imposed, and lethal force has been used against unarmed civilians, resulting in several tragic deaths,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The MEA added that it expects the “international community to hold Pakistan accountable for these grave human rights abuses.”

With the march set for today, PoK faces a critical 24 hours. The JAAC expects mass participation and widespread disruption. The administration, meanwhile, has shown no sign of backing down.

Whether the Muzaffarabad march forces concessions or leads to further escalation will likely decide the next phase of the movement.