Rising Unrest in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir: Demands for Self-Rule Intensify

Protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) continued their momentum on Thursday, marking five days of civil unrest. Crowds marched from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad, while opposition leaders in Pakistan circulated videos of the growing unrest online. Notably, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf leader Syeda Zahr shared footage describing the situation as a 'sea of people' demanding change.

Imran Khan's aide Muddsar highlighted the emotional drive of these demonstrations, proclaiming, 'Salam to the people of Kashmir,' and applauding their resilience in standing against the Pakistani regime. Meanwhile, Neelum Valley Public Action Committee leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir delivered a scathing critique of the government, accusing it of violence against its citizens and media suppression.

The protests, spearheaded by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), have resulted in multiple deaths and injuries following security forces' crackdown on demonstrators. Initially peaceful, these protests are in response to Islamabad's failure to meet a 38-point charter of demands seeking political and economic reforms within PoJK.

(With inputs from agencies.)