Massive protests sweep Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir; internet cut, heavy security deployed
Muzaffarabad: Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is witnessing one of its largest protest movements in years, with thousands rallying under the banner of the Awami Action Committee (AAC) to demand long-pending reforms.
The AAC has launched an indefinite “shutter-down and wheel-jam” strike, pressing a 38-point charter of demands. Key demands include abolishing 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan, subsidised flour, reduced electricity tariffs linked to the Mangla hydropower project, and long-promised structural reforms.
In response, Islamabad cut internet access from midnight and deployed large contingents of security forces. Over the weekend, convoys of armed personnel conducted flag marches across major towns, while additional police from Punjab and 1,000 reinforcements from Islamabad were sent to the region. Entry and exit points of key cities have been sealed.
Talks between AAC leaders, PoK authorities, and federal ministers broke down after 13 hours, with AAC negotiators refusing to compromise on their demand to abolish elite privileges and refugee assembly seats.
Despite heavy deployment, protest leaders insisted the demonstrations would remain peaceful. However, videos circulating on social media showed large crowds chanting slogans against Pakistan’s occupation, raising fears of a severe crackdown.
Traders in Muzaffarabad briefly reopened shops on Sunday to allow residents to purchase essential supplies before the strike resumed.
Officials have defended the deployment as necessary to maintain order, while AAC leaders maintain the agitation is a peaceful struggle for fundamental rights denied to the region for over seven decades.
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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
