Pakistan Agrees To PoK Protesters’ Demands Amid Unrest – What You Need To Know

Following days of violent protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) that left 12 people dead and over 200 injured, the Shehbaz Sharif government has signed an agreement with protesters to restore peace in the region. The announcement was made on Saturday by Pakistan's Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, who confirmed that the negotiating delegation had finalized the accord.

Chaudhry stated on X (formerly Twitter), "The negotiating delegation has signed the final agreement with the Action Committee. The protesters are returning home, all roads have reopened. This is a victory for peace."

The protests were led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), which had demanded justice and fundamental rights for residents of PoK. The Pakistani government, after negotiations, agreed to meet key demands aimed at restoring stability and ending the violence.

Government Response and Measures

The agreement includes provisions for compensation to families of those killed, financial support for those injured, and steps to improve local governance, education, and healthcare infrastructure in PoK. Authorities also committed to addressing property, legal, and administrative concerns raised by the protesters.

Following the agreement, roads reopened, and normalcy began returning to the affected regions. The government emphasized its commitment to peaceful resolution and the welfare of the people in PoK.

Background of the PoK Unrest

The violent demonstrations erupted earlier this month amid growing discontent over systemic issues and rights violations. The unrest claimed 12 lives and injured more than 200 people. The protests highlighted long-standing grievances in the region, prompting urgent negotiations between the JKJAAC and the Pakistan government.