'Stand with us': PoK leader appeals to Indians as unrest grows; expert sees tilt towards India

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) protest leader Sardar Aman Khan has appealed to people in Srinagar, Ladakh, Poonch, Rajouri and Jammu to stand in solidarity with residents of the region on July 5, when the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) plans to hold fresh demonstrations against widespread human rights abuses by the Pakistani establishment.

In a video appeal, Khan alleged that authorities had launched a severe crackdown on protesters and even stopped food supplies to pressure the movement.

"We have faced atrocities. Our food has been stopped," he said, urging people across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to support the residents of PoK in their struggle.

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The appeal comes amid continuing protests across PoK, particularly in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot. Former Indian Army officer Maj Gen AK Siwach (Retd) told Firstpost that the demonstrations intensified after security forces launched a military crackdown, leading to deadly clashes and internet blackouts across the region.

JAAC's demands and growing unrest

JAAC is an umbrella organisation leading the civil movement through a 38-point Charter of Demands. Its key demands include economic reforms and an end to unequal distribution of local resources.

The organisation has also demanded the abolition of 12 legislative assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in mainland Pakistan after 1947. Protesters argue that these seats allow Islamabad to influence local politics and install governments that do not reflect the will of the people.

They have also called for reducing the heavy deployment of paramilitary forces and ending privileges enjoyed by political elites.

Crackdown after ban

Siwach said Pakistan's decision to ban JAAC under its Anti-Terrorism Act triggered a major security operation. Hundreds of members were reportedly arrested and placed on the country's "Fourth Schedule" watch list. The move also sparked strikes, shutdowns and violent confrontations between protesters and security forces.

"The protests are spreading like wild fire through out POJK with centre of gravity at Muzzafrabad and Rawalakot," he said.

He added that the movement is expected to announce its next course of action on July 5 after consultations with its members.

Siwach also referred to Khan's public claim that the Pakistan Army had previously armed people in the region. He said such statements contradict Islamabad's long-standing position and reinforce international allegations of Pakistan's support for cross-border militant groups.

According to Siwach, the remarks have also fuelled debate within PoK over its political future, with some sections increasingly discussing greater autonomy, complete independence or closer engagement with India if existing governance issues remain unresolved.

Pakistan under mounting pressure

Siwach said Pakistan is simultaneously facing economic distress, political instability and rising terrorism. While soaring inflation, mounting debt and deep divisions between political parties, the judiciary and the military have weakened governance, he believes a full-scale civil war remains unlikely because the military continues to retain overwhelming control.

"But systemic institutional collapse is highly possible," he said.

However, he said persistent local uprisings, economic hardship and institutional deadlock have pushed Pakistan into a prolonged period of instability, with the unfolding developments in PoK becoming another challenge for the country's establishment.