The situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has escalated into a full-fledged strike as the Awami Action Committee (AAC), a local civil society alliance, has called for an indefinite shutdown starting from September 29, 2025. The strike has led to a ban on mobile internet services across PoK and the deployment of around 3,000 troops from Islamabad to maintain order. Schools and colleges remain closed amid the turmoil.

The AAC’s protest originated over rising flour prices but soon expanded into broader demands for political and economic reforms. Locals have submitted a 38-point charter including calls for empowering local government, abolishing 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees in the PoK assembly, ending the VIP culture, and securing fair economic returns from the Mangla hydroelectric project. The government has declared an inability to meet these demands, further exacerbating tensions.

Shaukat Ali Mir, a key leader of the AAC, criticized the Pakistani government for widespread corruption and unemployment, accusing it of marginalizing the people of PoK. His statement highlighted the deep dissatisfaction among residents who feel neglected and are demanding fundamental rights.

Meanwhile, the strike’s impact is widely felt as transportation and communication networks are disrupted, and public life remains at a standstill under tight military surveillance. The deployment of additional troops underscores the government’s concern about the potential for unrest to grow.

The situation in PoK mirrors recent turmoil in other conflict-prone regions like Ladakh and Kashmir, where long-running political grievances continue to lead to protests and security crackdowns. The escalating crisis in PoK adds another layer to the complex geopolitical tension in the Kashmir region.

The ongoing protests and government response highlight the urgent need for dialogue and reforms to address the grievances of PoK’s people and prevent further instability in the region.