Agreement Reached to End Violent Unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

After days of violent unrest that resulted in casualties and a regional shutdown, the federal government of Pakistan and protest leaders in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) signed a formal agreement on October 4, 2025, to end the widespread demonstrations .

The protests, which began on September 29, were spearheaded by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC). The situation escalated into violent clashes with police after initial negotiations over a 38-point charter of demands broke down. The violence led to at least 10 fatalities, including three police personnel, and left hundreds of civilians and officers injured .

The agreement, announced by Pakistan's Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, consists of 25 points addressing the core grievances of the protesters. Key provisions include compensation for those killed, a commitment to register terrorism cases related to the violence, and a significant investment of PKR 10 billion for the improvement of the region's electricity system .

Roots of the Discontent

The protests were not an isolated incident but a manifestation of long-simmering tensions. India’s Ministry of External Affairs, commenting on the unrest, labeled it a "natural consequence of Pakistan's oppressive approach and systemic plundering of resources" from the region .

The demonstrators' demands highlighted fundamental issues of governance and daily survival. Beyond subsidies for flour and electricity, protesters called for tangible improvements in healthcare, including the phased installation of MRI and CT Scan machines in every district, and the establishment of new educational boards .

A major political demand was the abolition of 12 assembly seats in PoK reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan a mechanism seen by many locals as a tool for Islamabad to exert indirect control and a symbol of their political disenfranchisement .

Regional and International Repercussions

The unrest in PoK has drawn sharp reactions internationally. India reinforced its long-standing position, stating that the territory remains under Pakistan's "forcible and illegal occupation" and called upon the international community to hold Pakistan accountable for human rights violations .

The successful negotiation has, for now, restored a fragile peace. Authorities have reopened all roads, and the communications blackout imposed during the crisis has been lifted. A monitoring committee has been established to ensure the implementation of the agreement, offering a glimmer of hope for residents who have endured years of economic hardship and political marginalization .