Unprecedented protests have erupted in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) since late September 2025, shaking Islamabad’s grip on the region and exposing deep-rooted economic, political, and human rights grievances.

What began as a planned “shutter-down” and “wheel-jam” strike escalated into violent clashes between protesters and Pakistani security forces, resulting in at least 12 civilian deaths, several police casualties, hundreds of injuries, and a near-total shutdown of the region.

The protests, led by an alliance of traders, civil society groups, and activists paralysed major towns like Muzaffarabad (the regional capital), Rawalakot, Kotli, Dadyal, and Neelum Valley. By October 4, the Pakistani government signed an agreement with protest leaders to end the demonstrations, but tensio

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