Pakistan accused of deepening crisis in PoJK, PoGB amid mounting public anger
London, May 31
Political activist from Pakistani-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Amjad Ayub Mirza, has alleged that PoJK and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan are witnessing a worsening political, economic and humanitarian crisis, with widespread public dissatisfaction fuelling plans for large-scale protests in the coming weeks.
Speaking on the current situation in the region, Mirza claimed that health workers in PoJK spent the Eid al-Adha holidays protesting on the streets instead of celebrating with their families. According to him, the workers have been demanding salary increases, pension benefits and permanent employment status despite serving in the health sector for more than three decades.
He alleged that the government had accepted their demands during negotiations four months ago and had even issued a notification confirming the agreement. However, he claimed that no meaningful implementation has followed, prompting workers to continue their demonstrations.
Mirza said the grievances extend far beyond the health sector, describing what he called "systematic exploitation" across various segments of society in PoJK. He noted that the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has put forward 31 demands, has warned of a major escalation if authorities fail to act.
According to Mirza, the committee has announced plans for a general strike on June 9, accompanied by marches from different parts of the region converging on Muzaffarabad. He further alleged that local elections expected this month have been delayed without explanation, raising concerns about democratic governance in the territory.
Turning to PoGB, Mirza claimed that residents are enduring severe electricity shortages, with some areas experiencing up to 20 to 22 hours of load-shedding daily. He argued that the energy crisis has crippled small businesses, workshops and local industries, leaving thousands of daily wage workers without stable incomes.
The activist said many families are struggling to survive, with some allegedly withdrawing their children from schools because they can no longer afford educational expenses in PoGB.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The silence of international media on this is deafening. When will the world hold Pakistan accountable for its misgovernance in occupied territories? The delay in local elections, the economic exploitation, and children dropping out of school—this is a humanitarian crisis in the making.
As someone who supports peace, I can't help but feel the pain of ordinary people caught in this mess. Pakistan's focus on military expansion while ignoring basic needs like healthcare and electricity is criminal. However, we must also ask—what concrete steps can India take to support these people without escalating tensions? 🤔
The Joint Awami Action Committee's 31 demands and planned June 9 strike show that people have had enough. It reminds me of our own freedom struggle—when people rise up against oppression. Pakistan's double standards are exposed: they cry about Kashmir but can't even manage their own occupied territory properly. Time for India to amplify these voices globally.
I'm skeptical of claims made by exiled activists, but this sounds genuine—health workers protesting on Eid, teachers leaving their jobs? That's not propaganda, that's desperation. Pakistan has turned PoJK and PoGB into a colony, not a territory. Children being pulled out of school because parents can't afford fees? Shameful. 😡
It's tragic that after decades of being promised 'azadi' from India, people in PoJK now face worse conditions than if they were with us. Look at how the Indian side of Jammu and Kashmir has developed—electricity, healthcare, education
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