In a powerful display of unity and resilience, students in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) braved heavy rain to take to the streets and voice their concerns against various issues plaguing their region. The protest sought to highlight injustices, inflation, high unemployment rates, and extremism that have been affecting the lives of the people. Among the central demands of the students was the fulfillment of a promise made by Pakistan in 1962 to provide free electricity to PoK.

Students in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (#PoK) are protesting against the government and army over various atrocities, as per a news report There have also been protests against rising electricity bills, as well as fuel and flour prices in PoK, it added. pic.twitter.com/5VwSmRiN3G

— J&Kviews (@JKviews07) October 19, 2023

This promise remains unfulfilled, further exacerbating the economic challenges and disparities faced by the people. Subsidies on essential food items, particularly flour, were also demanded by the protesters, reflecting the struggle for basic necessities. What makes this movement particularly remarkable is its wide-ranging support. Not just students, but individuals from all walks of life participated in the protests.

Women, men, trade unions, and members of civil society actively engaged in the demonstrations, underscoring the far-reaching impact of the concerns on the local population. The underlying aspiration behind this movement is the desire for greater control over the region's natural resources and the assertion of basic rights. It symbolizes the collective determination of the people of PoK to bring attention to their grievances and strive for meaningful change and improvements in their living conditions.

These ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address the economic and social challenges faced by the region and the aspirations of its people. It underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the concerns of the population, providing them with a platform to express their dissatisfaction and work towards a more inclusive and prosperous future.