PoJK Shutdown: Businesses Close, Roads Empty as JAAC Intensifies Protest

Muzaffarabad, Sep 9: Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) witnessed a widespread wheel-jam and shutter-down strike on Wednesday as the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) intensified its agitation against the region’s government and what it describes as increasing state repression.

Businesses remained closed and transport services were disrupted across several areas, while large numbers of protesters took to the streets in response to the shutdown call issued by the JAAC.

The latest mobilisation comes amid months of growing political and economic discontent in the region. The JAAC, a coalition comprising traders, transporters, students, lawyers and other civil society groups, has emerged as the principal force behind the protests.

The agitation has increasingly focused on political representation, governance and what activists describe as Islamabad’s interference in local affairs, besides longstanding economic grievances.

One of the major demands is the abolition of 12 seats in the regional legislative assembly reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan. The JAAC argues that these seats distort local political representation and give Islamabad-backed interests disproportionate influence in the region.

The issue gained further prominence during the recent legislative elections, which were held amid violence, security restrictions and an electoral boycott called by the JAAC.

Economic concerns have also fuelled the movement, including disputes over electricity tariffs, food subsidies, employment, governance and privileges enjoyed by political and administrative elites. Earlier protests similarly centred on electricity and wheat prices, highlighting growing public dissatisfaction with the political establishment.

The authorities have responded with tougher measures. The regional government banned the JAAC, citing security and public-order concerns, while protests and clashes in recent months have resulted in deaths and injuries. Voting in several constituencies was also postponed at one stage due to deteriorating security conditions, accompanied by restrictions on movement and communications.

Wednesday’s shutdown extended across areas including Bhimber, Mirpur, Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad and the Neelum Valley, underscoring the growing challenge to Pakistan’s administration of the territory.

With the JAAC continuing to press its demands and authorities refusing to concede, the latest strike could further intensify the political confrontation in PoJK. The developments also come after elections that returned Pakistan’s ruling PML-N to power in the region after a decade. (Agencies)