In a rare and powerful show of defiance, thousands of protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have taken to the streets, blocking a key artery of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—the lifeline of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in South Asia.
The Karakoram Highway, which connects Pakistan with China through Gilgit-Baltistan, was brought to a standstill by angry locals fed up with years of economic exploitation, political marginalization, and unchecked militarization.
From a region often shown in Pakistani media as “peaceful and loyal,” the images of masses waving placards, chanting slogans, and braving security forces tell a different truth—one of deep resentment boiling over.
Why Are People Protesting in PoK?
This isn’t a one-day outrage. It’s a culmination of years of neglect. People in Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, Skardu, and other parts of PoK have been raising grievances for decades:
- Soaring inflation and lack of subsidies on essential goods
- No political autonomy, yet heavy-handed governance from Islamabad
- Discriminatory electricity tariffs despite the region generating massive hydroelectric power
- Rampant unemployment, especially among the youth
- Land grabs in the name of CPEC infrastructure projects
What lit the spark this time? Reports suggest that new taxes and withdrawal of subsidies on wheat and electricity triggered the latest wave of protests. But at the core, it’s about a feeling of being used, unheard, and invisible.
The CPEC Connection
Blocking the China-Pakistan highway isn’t just symbolic—it’s strategic. This highway is not only a vital economic corridor but also a diplomatic bridge between Beijing and Islamabad. Disrupting it sends a loud message to both powers: “You can’t build prosperity over our silence.”
China, which has invested billions in the region, is unlikely to be pleased. And for Pakistan, it’s a diplomatic embarrassment—coming at a time when its economy is already under severe strain and political trust is at an all-time low.
Pakistan’s Response: Crackdowns and Denial
Instead of addressing the people’s concerns, the Pakistani administration responded with force. Arrests, baton charges, and internet shutdowns were reported across multiple districts.
Yet, the protests only grew stronger—proving that this isn’t a seasonal outburst, but a people’s movement with depth.
What’s more troubling is the lack of international media coverage, partly due to restrictions in the region. Even within Pakistan, mainstream channels have downplayed the protests, sparking criticism of selective journalism and state censorship.
India’s Perspective
For India, which has always maintained that PoK is an integral part of Jammu & Kashmir, these protests reinforce long-standing claims:
- That PoK’s people are discontent under Pakistani rule
- That the region has been strategically exploited, not developed
- That CPEC, which passes through Indian territory illegally occupied by Pakistan, is not a “development model,” but a geopolitical tool that bypasses local welfare
While the Indian government hasn’t made a loud statement yet, many believe that the current uprising is a reflection of what happens when voices are silenced for too long.
Final Thoughts
What’s happening in PoK is not just a protest—it’s a plea for dignity, rights, and recognition. The world, especially international human rights groups and regional powers, needs to pay attention.
And for India, this is a moment to not only reiterate its rightful claim over the territory but also express solidarity with the people suffering just across the Line of Control—not as enemies, but as fellow Kashmiris seeking justice.
