PoK Unrest 2025: Pakistan Accepts All 38 Demands of JAAC — What Triggered the Crisis and What Comes Nex

Recent protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK / Azad Jammu & Kashmir, AJK) have escalated into one of the the region’s most significant civil uprisings in recent years. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC / JKJAAC) launched shutdowns and strikes with a 38-point charter of demands. After days of confrontation, the regional authorities have reportedly accepted all 38 demands, aiming to end the unrest.

This development is pivotal for governance, regional stability, and the relationship between local populations and federal power in Pakistan. In this article, we will:

• Examine the background and causes of the unrest
• Explain who JAAC is and what exactly the 38 demands include
• Trace the escalation, casualties, and government response
• Analyze the outcome and implications of the government’s acceptance
• Assess challenges & risks going forward
• Conclude with what this signals for PoK, Pakistan, and beyond

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Background & Causes of the Unrest

The grievances in PoK that led to these protests are rooted in long-standing economic, political, and administrative issues. Some of the triggering factors:

Economic Hardship & Utility Burdens

• Residents of AJK have long lamented steep electricity tariffs, despite the fact that significant hydropower projects (like the Mangla Dam) lie within their region. Many argue that they should not pay full rates for power generated locally.
• Rising price of subsidized wheat / flour, inflation, lack of local development funding, and limited jobs have exacerbated frustration.

Administrative & Political Grievances

• The JAAC / JKJAAC has demanded structural reforms, including the removal of privileges and perks enjoyed by bureaucracy and officials in AJK.
• A major point is the abolition of 12 reserved assembly seats currently held by refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir settled in Pakistan. Locals see this as an external imposition reducing their electoral influence.
• They also demand dropping of legal cases against past protestors, more local autonomy, and better allocation of royalties from natural resources.

Previous Protests & Unfulfilled Promises

• In 2024, there had been major protests in AJK under similar demands, which led to partial concessions: subsidies on electricity, wheat, and a judicial commission to review privileges. Many of those promises were seen as only partially implemented or delayed.
• The current protests—launched around September 29, 2025—were in many ways a renewed push, citing that earlier assurances were not fully honored.
• In 2025, the political climate in Pakistan also has economic stress, high inflation, and decline in purchasing power, adding fuel to discontent.

Thus, the 2025 unrest is not a spontaneous event, but rather a resurgence of long-suppressed demands.

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JAAC / JKJAAC: Organizers of the Protest

Name	Role / Description
JAAC / JKJAAC	Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, a coalition of students, traders, professionals, local civic groups
Leader(s)	Shaukat Nawaz Mir and other local activists
Charter	38-point demand list encompassing economic relief, institutional reform, political changes

Some core demands include:

1. Reduced utility rates, especially electricity, aligned to production cost
2. Subsidized wheat / flour at fair rates
3. Abolition of reserved seats (12) in AJK Legislative Assembly
4. Dropping cases against past protestors
5. Review and removal of bureaucratic perks enjoyed by elite / officials
6. Infrastructure investment (roads, health, education)
7. Greater share / royalties from hydropower projects in region
8. Transparent governance, accountability

The charter mixes urgent economic relief with deep political and structural changes.

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Reported / Highlighted Demands from the 38-Point Charter

1. Abolition of Reserved Seats
Eliminate the 12 seats in the PoK Legislative Assembly reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan, arguing that they undermine local representation. The Indian Express

2. Withdrawal of Legal Cases
Drop all legal cases against activists involved in previous protests. The Indian Express

3. Royalties from Hydropower Projects
Allocate a fair share of royalties from hydropower projects, like the Mangla Dam, to the local population. Moneycontrol

4. Subsidized Wheat Flour
Provide subsidized wheat flour to alleviate economic hardships. Moneycontrol

5. Affordable Electricity Tariffs
Reduce electricity tariffs to the cost of production, ensuring affordability for residents. Moneycontrol

6. Abolition of Elite Privileges
Remove perks such as government-provided vehicles, personal staff, and unlimited fuel allowances for high-ranking officials. Al Jazeera

7. Investment in Health and Education
Increase funding for healthcare and educational institutions to improve public services. Moneycontrol

8. Infrastructure Development
Launch major infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and development in the region. Al Jazeera

9. Reduction in Government Size
Reduce the number of ministers and advisors in the PoK government to streamline administration. Hindustan Times

10. Transparency in Governance
Implement measures to ensure transparency and accountability in government operations. Al Jazeera

11. Employment Opportunities
Create job opportunities for the local population to address unemployment issues. Al Jazeera

12. Tax Exemptions
Provide tax exemptions to ease the financial burden on residents. Al Jazeera

13. Release of Political Prisoners
Free individuals detained for political reasons, including those arrested during protests. Al Jazeera

14. Restoration of Internet Services
Restore internet services that were suspended during protests. Al Jazeera

15. Fair Representation in Legislative Assembly
Ensure that the Legislative Assembly accurately represents the local population without external influence. Al Jazeera

16. Protection of Cultural Heritage
Safeguard the cultural heritage and traditions of the region. Al Jazeera

17. Freedom of Expression
Guarantee the right to free speech and expression for all citizens. Al Jazeera

18. Right to Protest
Affirm the right to peaceful assembly and protest without fear of repression. Al Jazeera

19. Environmental Protection
Implement policies to protect the environment and natural resources. Al Jazeera

20. Access to Clean Water
Ensure access to clean and safe drinking water for all residents. Al Jazeera

21. Affordable Housing
Develop affordable housing projects to address the growing population. Al Jazeera

22. Road Maintenance
Maintain and repair existing road infrastructure to improve transportation. Al Jazeera

23. Public Transportation
Develop reliable and affordable public transportation systems. Al Jazeera

24. Agricultural Support
Provide support and subsidies to local farmers to boost agricultural productivity. Al Jazeera

25. Support for Small Businesses
Offer financial assistance and incentives to small and medium-sized enterprises. Al Jazeera

26. Women’s Rights
Promote gender equality and protect women’s rights in all spheres of life. Al Jazeera

27. Youth Engagement
Involve youth in decision-making processes and provide platforms for their voices. Al Jazeera

28. Social Welfare Programs
Implement social welfare programs to support vulnerable populations. Al Jazeera

29. Healthcare Access in Rural Areas
Expand healthcare facilities and services in rural and remote areas. Al Jazeera

30. Education in Rural Areas
Establish schools and educational programs in underserved rural regions. Al Jazeera

31. Legal Aid Services
Provide legal assistance to those unable to afford it. Al Jazeera

32. Media Freedom
Ensure the freedom of the press and protect journalists from harassment. Al Jazeera

33. Anti-Corruption Measures
Implement strict anti-corruption laws and practices within government institutions. Al Jazeera

34. Public Safety
Enhance public safety measures and reduce crime rates. Al Jazeera

35. Disaster Preparedness
Develop and implement disaster preparedness and response plans. Al Jazeera

36. Cultural Exchange Programs
Promote cultural exchange programs to foster understanding and unity. Al Jazeera

37. Religious Freedom
Protect the rights of individuals to practice their religion freely. Al Jazeera

38. International Support
Seek international support and recognition for the rights and autonomy of PoK. Al Jazeera

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Escalation, Violence, & Casualties

The path from protest to government capitulation involved confrontation, casualties, and negotiation.

Timeline & Intensity

• Protests reportedly began on September 29, 2025, with shutter-down strikes, wheel jams, and public demonstrations across Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Mirpur, Bhimber, and smaller towns.
• Police and paramilitary forces were deployed; in many instances, communication services (internet / mobile) were restricted to curb mobilization.
• Security forces allegedly opened fire on protesters in several locations. Reports say at least six deaths in initial phases, possibly more. The Times of India+1
• Both protesters and law enforcement reported injuries running into dozens.

Government Response

• The federal government sent a high-level delegation, including ministers, to AJK for talks.
• Some attempts at calm were made via calls for dialogue and appeals to protesters, but tensions sustained.
• Local reports said the government accepted many demands in principle as early as the first days.

Casualty Numbers & Discrepancies

• The 2025 Azad Kashmir protests entry in Wikipedia notes 7 protesters killed, 3 security personnel killed; injuries numbered in the hundreds (172 police injured, ~50 civilians) Wikipedia
• Different media reports mention between 6 and 10 deaths. AP News+1
• Official and protester accounts diverge, especially over who fired first, proportionality of force, and whether protesters were armed.

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Government’s Concession: Accepting All 38 Demands

After sustained protests, the government reportedly accepted the entire 38-point demand charter of JAAC / JKJAAC. AP News+2DNA India+2

What the Agreement Includes

• Continuation of subsidies on wheat and electricity
• Structural reforms such as reduction in number of ministers, better public service in health and education
• Commitment to implement all major demands, though certain items (like abolishing reserved seats) may require constitutional changes or federal action AP News+2The Indian Express+2
• Protesters formally agreed to disperse and end public agitation.

Disparities in Reports

• Some sources say only 25 of the 38 points were finalized, with the rest accepted “in principle” or under consideration. The Times of India
• Others assert full acceptance. AP News
• Implementation timelines and mechanism remain open questions.

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Implications & Analysis

For PoK / AJK Region

• The concession marks a significant political victory for local civic activism, showing state capacity can be challenged.
• It may embolden further bottom-up demands for reform in governance, resource control, and autonomy.
• However, success depends heavily on no delay in implementation; failure to deliver may rekindle unrest or deepen distrust.

For Pakistan & Federal Authority

• The central government’s willingness to accept full demands suggests weakening leverage in contested territories.
• It reveals limits of coercion, especially when unrest turns widespread and local legitimacy is in question.
• The move might set a precedent: other disgruntled regions or groups may expect similar treatment or negotiations under threat.

Risks & Challenges Ahead

• Implementation bottlenecks: Many points require legal/constitutional changes, federal coordination — risk of stalling is high.
• Political backlash: Hardliners may view the concessions as a sign of weakness; opponents may accuse the government of yielding under pressure.
• Trust deficit: Protesters will expect timely, visible action; if commitments are broken, civil unrest could worsen.
• External exploitation: In a region of geopolitical sensitivity, external actors may use the unrest or agreements for influence.

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Comparative Context

This episode is reminiscent of the 2024 AJK protests, where similar demands were made and accepted. In that case:

• The government announced a Rs 23 billion package to AJK, subsidized utilities, and judicial commission for privileges review. Wikipedia
• Protesters withdrew when assurances were given; but in many local views, full implementation was lacking.

Thus, 2025’s version can be seen as a second wave, pressing for enforcement rather than just promises.

Compared to protests in other regions of the world, this instance shows:

• Charter of demands strategy — a long list mixing the urgent and systemic
• Negotiated victory after force — shows state compulsion to negotiate after heavy confrontation
• Fragile peace — political settlements under unrest often need sustained follow-through to last

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What Comes Next: Risks & Indicators to Watch

1. Implementation Timeline
   • Are all 38 demands enacted within promised timeframes?
   • Which require constitutional or federal changes vs local executive action?
2. Legal / Constitutional Hurdles
   • Reserved seats abolition needs changes in system; this could drag in courts or parliament.
3. Monitoring & Oversight Mechanisms
   • Will a neutral body or commission be established to ensure compliance?
   • Role of judiciary, civil society.
4. Political Fallout
   • Local vs federal power dynamics shift.
   • Reaction from political parties or leaders who opposed the concessions.
5. Durability of Peace
   • If protests resume, or demands are unmet, trust will erode further.
   • Whether leaders and communities accept the outcome as legitimate.
6. Economic Relief & Benefit Delivery
   • Subsidies, infrastructure spending, better public services — these are expensive and need budget allocation.
7. Security / Civil Liberties
   • Post unrest, whether restrictions (internet shutdowns, assembly limits) remain in effect or roll back.

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Conclusion

The 2025 PoK / AJK unrest and the government’s reported acceptance of all 38 demands is a momentous development. It reflects the confluence of long-simmering discontent, economic distress, and political mobilization. The real test now lies not in the agreement’s optics but in execution—delivering on reforms, building trust, and preventing further destabilization.

This event also underlines how in contested or semi-autonomous zones, state authority must balance coercion and concession. For Pakistan, it is a cautionary signal: governance without responsiveness can provoke severe backlash, and promises must be backed by follow-through.

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Disclaimer

This summary is based on publicly reported media sources and summaries, which may not reflect the exact or complete original 38-point charter. The demands listed are as reported and may omit or paraphrase certain items. For the definitive text, verification from primary local / protester documents or official sources is required.

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