Rawalakot Protests Escalate in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Amid Food Blockade

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Rawalakot’s Eidgah ground in Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir (PoK) to challenge Islamabad’s control and protest a food‑supply blockade. Led by Sardar Aman Khan of the Joint Avami Action Committee, the marchers demand an end to economic exploitation and call for 38 points covering inflation, electricity costs, subsidies, unemployment and political discrimination.

Since early June the protest has continued despite an internet shutdown and reports that Pakistani Rangers entered a local petrol station, beat staff and seized cash worth three lakh rupees, footage of which was released by news outlets. Over 70,000 residents have been mobilised, urging that authority over PoK be transferred to the local population.