Sarabjit Singh
Jammu Tawi, June 11: While Pakistan projects itself as an ambassador of peace on the global stage, Asim Munir’s forces are raining bullets on their own people.People who gather to claim their rights, only to be denied even the freedom of speech by the Pakistani regime. The prevailing situation suggests that this region may not remain under Pakistan’s occupation for much longer.
The people’s movement in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) is rapidly gaining momentum. The more the army resorts to repression, the more resolutely the public pushes forward. Although over 32 people have lost their lives in firing by security forces during the protests, the people’s resolve remains unshaken. Yesterday, more than 150,000 protesters marched towards Rawalakot to voice their opposition to the Pakistan government. Thousands have taken to the streets carrying banners and flags. Massive marches are being held in cities such as Rawalakot, Bagh, Hattian Bala, Kotli, Mirpur, Sudhanoti, Dhirkot, Dadyal, and Muzaffarabad.
Protests Brewing in Pakistan:
The movement initially began as a protest against rising flour prices, exorbitant electricity bills, and a lack of basic amenities, but it has now evolved into a massive public uprising. Intense resentment against the Islamabad government and the Pakistani military establishment is evident among the people of PoK. The protesters plan to gather in Rawalakot and then march towards Muzaffarabad. There, they intend to present a 38-point charter of demands to the administration. These demands include controlling inflation, affordable electricity, employment opportunities, and better government services.
The Pakistani Army’s Crackdown: Kashmiris Remain Unbowed
The administration is attempting to prevent the protesters from reaching Muzaffarabad. Major highways and connecting roads have been blocked. In several places, large trees have been felled and placed across the roads to halt the protesters’ convoys; however, despite these obstacles, the people refuse to back down. Protesters are advancing by using alternative routes. The ever-growing crowds and public anger have heightened the administration’s concerns. Rangers have been deployed at every turn, and videos have surfaced showing indiscriminate firing on civilians. While various reports indicate around 30 deaths, locals claim the death toll exceeds 100, with hundreds more injured.
Who is Sardar Aman Khan, the Man Who Awakened PoJK?
Sardar Aman Khan (30) is a prominent political activist in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) and a central leader of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). He has been a leading figure in movements advocating for the rights of the people in PoJK. He raised his voice against rising taxes, inflation, exorbitant electricity bills, and alleged discrimination against the local population. Through the JAAC, he has championed the civil and economic rights of the common people. Sardar Aman Khan is regarded as a rising young face of the JAAC, having mobilized the youth through digital campaigns and social media live sessions. He played a pivotal role in the major protests held in May 2025.
He demanded the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the Legislative Assembly—seats that had been set aside for refugees who settled there after 1947. Following massive protests and strikes in POJK, the Pakistani administration banned the JAAC. In his speeches, Sardar Aman Khan has criticized Pakistan’s military and administrative policies. He maintains that ordinary citizens raising their voices for their rights are being wrongly branded as terrorists. After the organization was declared a terrorist group, action was initiated against several of its leaders. Warrants were issued for the arrest of Sardar Aman Khan and other leaders. Pakistan announced a reward of 10 million Pakistani rupees (approximately 10 million Indian rupees) for information leading to Sardar Aman Khan’s arrest.
