International Desk — Normal life has ground to a complete halt across Pakistan-administered Kashmir as widespread protests entered their second week, leaving at least 24 people dead and plunging the volatile region into deep instability.
The escalating clashes between local authorities and supporters of the recently banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have triggered a fresh geopolitical challenge for Islamabad.
Observers note that while Pakistan has historically criticized New Delhi for suppressing dissent in Indian-administered Kashmir, it now faces severe public wrath within its own controlled territory.
The latest unrest sparked over upcoming elections for the region’s 45-seat legislative assembly scheduled for July 27.
The core trigger was the government’s decision to reserve 12 seats specifically for refugees arriving from Indian-administered Kashmir who are currently residing across Pakistan. Strongly protesting this allocation, the JAAC called for a widespread strike starting June 9.
According to government officials, violence between June 6 and June 14 claimed the lives of at least 20 civilians and left dozens of others injured.
Regional Police Chief Liaqat Ali Malik confirmed that four police officers were also killed, 97 law enforcers injured, and 515 protesters detained during the fierce clashes.
Currently, thousands of JAAC supporters have staged sit-ins on the outskirts of Rawalakot, located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of the regional capital, Muzaffarabad.
In response, authorities have blockaded major highways, suspended internet services, and heavily restricted media access throughout most areas of Kashmir.
The prolonged shutdown has dealt a catastrophic blow to the local economy and lower-income families.
In Muzaffarabad’s Upper Adda commercial district, daily wage earners gather fruitlessly by a red-brick monument waiting for work. “I haven’t earned a single rupee since June 9,” lamented Ikhlaq Ahmed, a 27-year-old laborer from a remote village.
While pharmacies and a few grocery shops have started opening for limited hours, most businesses remain shuttered.
Banks report that ATM and banking services are entirely offline due to the government’s suspension of internet and satellite feeds. Petrol stations also remain closed under official directives.
“The wealthy might survive this ordeal, but for ordinary laborers like us, it’s a suicidal situation,” expressed Asif Naz, a local motorcycle taxi driver, highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing paralysis.