Explainer: What happened in Pakistan-administered Kashmir after days of anti-government protests?

Widespread protests and violent clashes have erupted in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, driven by long-standing economic grievances and political demands from the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

Why it matters

• The current unrest is the third major wave in two years, showing deep-rooted dissatisfaction with governance and subsidies in the region.
• Deadly escalation clashes have left multiple people dead and hundreds injured, signaling a serious with potential long-term political implications.
• Negotiations have stalled over constitutional issues, highlighting the limits of compromise between local authorities and civil society groups.

The background

• Disputed region: Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, with both claiming the entire territory. Pakistan-administered Kashmir is the section controlled by Islamabad.
• Root causes: Protests began in May 2023 over rising electricity bills, flour smuggling, and shortages of subsidized wheat.
• Organized resistance: By September 2023, these grievances coalesced into the JAAC, representing traders and civil society groups.
• Previous protests: A wave in May 2024 led to four deaths. The government responded with an $86 million subsidy package and a judicial commission, temporarily suspending unrest.

The current crisis (Late September–Early October 2025)

• Mobilization: The latest JAAC-led protest began September 29 after government negotiations failed. Shutter-down strikes and "wheel-jam" protests halted several districts.
• Clashes and casualties:
  • JAAC claims 12 supporters killed, over 200 injured (all gunshot wounds).
  • Authorities report 3 police deaths and more than 100 injured; federal government cites 9 deaths, while local officials put the toll at 15.

Key JAAC demands

• Economic relief: Cheaper electricity and subsidized wheat.
• End to elite perks: Abolish government-provided vehicles, unlimited fuel, and personal staff for officials.
• Political reform: Remove 12 reserved legislative seats for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir, citing monopolization of development funds.
• Other demands: Tax exemptions, employment, free education and healthcare, infrastructure projects, and withdrawal of legal cases against activists.

Government response

• Dialogue called: Pakistan-administered Kashmir's Prime Minister urged the JAAC to return to negotiations.
• Security measures: Communications blackout since September 28; paramilitary forces deployed.
• Negotiations: Federal government dispatched a committee to Muzaffarabad. Talks have stalled over two key points: elite perks and reserved seats. Funding for other demands remains limited due to low regional revenue.

Resolution after negotiations

• Protests end: JAAC protesters have returned home, and all roads in the region are reopened following a signed agreement with the government.
• Compensation and justice: Families of those killed in clashes will receive monetary compensation and a government job for one member; gunshot injuries will be compensated at Rs1 million per person; FIRs will be registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act, with a judicial commission appointed where needed.
• Government restructuring: Cabinet size capped at 20 ministers/advisers; administrative secretaries limited to 20; Anti-Corruption and Ehtesab bureaus merged; perks and privileges for officials to be rationalized by a Monitoring and Implementation Committee.
• Political and constitutional review: A high-powered committee will examine reserved refugee seats in the AJK Assembly; current arrangements will remain in abeyance until its final report.
• Economic and infrastructure commitments: Rs10 billion allocated to electricity improvements; feasibility studies for tunnels in Neelum Valley; property taxes aligned with Punjab/KP; planning for Mirpur international airport and expanded healthcare facilities.