Following the Asia Cup defeat, thousands of people took to the streets in PoK, protesting against Shahbaz Sharif.

Pakistan Protest: The situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has deteriorated significantly. Thousands of people have taken to the streets.

 

There has been a massive uproar in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir ( PoK). Thousands of people took to the streets on Monday (September 29). While Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat against India in the Asia Cup 2025, the situation in PoK has deteriorated. The Awami Action Committee (ACC) is leading large-scale protests, and thousands of people are protesting against the Pakistani government at its behest. The shutdown has been accompanied by road blockades and strikes. The Pakistani government has deployed security forces to control the crowds. 

According to an NDTV report, AAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir said, "Our protest is not against any institution, but for fundamental rights. Our people have been denied their rights for 70 years, but enough is enough. Either give us our rights, or face public anger."

What is the real reason behind the unrest in PoK?

The Awami Action Committee has been in the news for the past few months. Thousands of people have taken to the streets at its behest. The committee has issued a charter demanding reforms, including the abolition of the 12 seats in the PoK Assembly reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. Furthermore, the people of PoK are facing severe inflation, with prices ranging from flour to electricity and other daily necessities rising significantly.

Shahbaz's tension increases, and thousands of army personnel are deployed

Shahbaz Sharif's government has deployed its full force to control the protests. Thousands of army personnel have been deployed on the streets. Flag marches are being held in major cities across PoK. The protests began escalating on Sunday night. The government has temporarily shut down the internet. 

 

Pakistan suffered a major humiliation after losing to India in the 2025 Asia Cup. The Pakistani government is now concerned about the unrest in POK.