“Yeh toh hona hi tha.” This phrase — "This had to happen" Captures the sentiment echoing across Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, where unprecedented civil unrest has erupted. For the first time in decades, thousands of citizens have taken to the streets to protest against what they describe as 70 years of exploitation, neglect and suppression by the Pakistani establishment. The unrest in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir isn't a sudden flare-up, it is the natural result of decades of systemic marginalization. Since 1947, the region has remained under the "forcible and illegal occupation" of Pakistan, as India officially describes it. Over time, Islamabad has plundered Pakistan Occupied Kashmir 's resources, denied its people political representation and failed to build infrastructure or provide essential services.

The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee , which now leads the protests, has compiled a 38 point charter of demands, including: Abolition of 12 legislative assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan (who do not reside in PoK),Tax relief and electricity subsidies, Access to healthcare and food security, Completion of long-pending development projects, These demands may seem basic, but to the people of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, they represent a lifetime of unmet promises.
Mass Protests and Violent Crackdowns Protests began peacefully in late September but escalated rapidly when Pakistani security forces opened fire on demonstrators. According to local reports:12 civilians were killed in different districts (Muzaffarabad, Dheerkot, Dadyal), Over 200 people injured, many with gunshot wounds, Internet, mobile and landline services have been completely shut down, Entry and exit points to major towns have been sealed 1,000 additional troops were deployed from Punjab to suppress the agitation Markets remain closed, public transport halted and civil life paralyzed in many parts of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. This violence has only added fuel to the fire, with protestors now openly chanting anti-establishment slogans like: “Rulers, beware we are your doom.” Kashmir is ours — we will decide its fate.”
Stark Contrast: Jammu and Kashmir vs. PoK, the timing of this unrest is significant. As Pakistan-administered areas fall into chaos, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed relative calm, growth and prosperity, especially after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
There are several key contrasts between Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir across vital sectors. In healthcare, Indian Jammu and Kashmir offers universal access through the Ayushman Bharat scheme, with a wide network of large hospitals and primary health centers. In stark contrast, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir suffers from scarce medical facilities, lacks universal healthcare and faces frequent reports of deaths due to inadequate medical care. Education in Indian Jammu and Kashmir is supported by a strong infrastructure with a high literacy rate and prestigious institutions like IIT, IIM, NIT and various universities and skill centres. Meanwhile, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir lags behind with poor educational infrastructure and limited opportunities for higher education.
Tourism in Indian-administered J&K is thriving and secure, even hosting major international events such as the G20 meetings, reflecting its global engagement and improved security. Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, on the other hand, remains underdeveloped in terms of tourism, with significant security concerns and restrictions that often make it inaccessible to foreigners. Infrastructure development is another area where Indian J&K has seen major advancements, including the construction of modern roads, tunnels and extensive digital connectivity. In contrast, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir continues to struggle with poor road conditions, frequent power outages and neglected infrastructure projects.
Lastly, there is a stark difference in freedom of expression. Indian J&K operates within a democratic framework that upholds press freedom and allows for dissent within legal bounds. Conversely, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir faces tight restrictions, with reports of censorship, arrests for dissent and a lack of independent media, pointing to a broader suppression of civil liberties.
India’s increased investment, improved governance and consistent efforts to integrate J&K into the national development narrative have led to a visible improvement in public life. In contrast, Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir remains a neglected and oppressed region under Pakistan’s control.
Voices from the Ground Protest leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir articulated the region’s anger during a rally in Muzaffarabad: “Our campaign is not against any institution, but for the fundamental rights that have been denied to our people for 70 years. Our patience has worn thin, this is the last resort in the push for our rightful demands. “International human rights observers have started to take note. Nasir Aziz Khan, spokesperson of the United Kashmir People's National Party, addressed the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, warning of an emerging humanitarian crisis in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
A Broader Crisis of Governance in Pakistan, the unrest in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir comes amid broader discontent in Pakistan itself. With Soaring inflation and fuel prices, A crippled economy, Widespread corruption, Ongoing conflicts in regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan’s internal stability is under severe strain.
The situation is worsened by Islamabad’s consistent strategy of deploying the army to suppress civilian protests, rather than resolving issues through democratic dialogue. Over time, this has led to deep resentment toward both the civil administration and the military, even in regions previously considered quiet.
International Response and India’s Stand, India has strongly condemned the violence in Pakistan ccupied Kashmir. The Ministry of External Affairs stated: “We have seen reports of protests in several areas of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including brutalities by Pakistani forces on innocent civilians. This is a natural consequence of Pakistan’s oppressive approach and systemic plundering of resources.” Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson
India continues to maintain that Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir is an integral part of its sovereign territory and has reiterated that any future discussions with Pakistan will solely concern the return of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Meanwhile, Pakistani officials like Ahsan Iqbal have attempted to deflect blame, subtly hinting at Indian interference and urging protesters not to act in ways that “benefit our enemy country.” This narrative, however, is quickly losing credibility especially when people on the ground are clearly fighting for basic rights, not politics.
The protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir are not merely about flour prices or power bills. They reflect a deep and long-standing structural failure one that has finally reached a tipping point. In the words of late Indian Army General Bipin Rawat: “The enemy is not merely across the border. It is all around us, in the form of corruption, poverty, illiteracy and communal disharmony.”
In Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, that enemy has taken the shape of oppression from within. As slogans grow bolder and the army’s suppression grows harsher, the region edges closer to what some analysts predict could be a full-fledged rebellion, much like what is ongoing in Balochistan. So yes “Yeh toh hona hi tha.”
This was bound to happen. When you deny people their rights, loot their resources and silence their voices for seven decades, rebellion becomes not a question of if but when.