PoK Protests Continue: JAAC Rejects Settlement With Pakistani Govt, Calls For Shutdown Ahead Of July 23 Protest

PoK Protests: The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on Tuesday dismissed speculation regarding a breakthrough with authorities, announcing a fresh round of protests instead. This development signals that the political agitation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is showing no signs of slowing down.

JAAC Rejects Deal

By rejecting the reports of a deal, the committee has reinforced its stance against the Pakistani government. In an official statement, the committee labelled social media rumours of a negotiated settlement as “unfounded propaganda.” Although they acknowledged that ongoing dialogue with the authorities continues, they explicitly clarified that no final agreement has been reached.

JACC said, “Our peaceful sit-in and movement are ongoing and uninterrupted.” The committee noted that any decision would be formally announced by its core committee members. The organisation further urged its supporters to remain organised and prepare for the upcoming programs scheduled for July 23, which leadership described as a “very important day” for the movement.

JAAC Calls For Fresh Agitation

Meanwhile, JAAC also extended its full support to a July 22 shutdown called by the Central Anjuman Tajiran Muzaffarabad. This specific strike aims to pressure authorities for the immediate release of Shokat Nawaz Mir, a core member of the committee who remains in custody.

Raja Ikhlaq Ahmad, JACC core member, appealed to people to shut markets across the region, while senior leader Umar Nazir Kashmiri urged residents of Mirpur, Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions to come out in large numbers for protests and sit-ins on July 23.

PoK Protests

Protests across PoK have intensified, with more people joining demonstrations against the authorities. The protests have been ongoing since June 10, with residents raising concerns over governance, economic hardships, and political issues. Earlier, the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had placed 38 demands before the Pakistan government and warned of stronger protests if their concerns were not addressed.

The group has been leading the demonstrations in PoK, demanding reforms and relief measures for residents. One of the key demands is the removal of 12 reserved assembly seats meant for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan. Protesters argue that these seats allow Islamabad to maintain influence over PoK’s political affairs.

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