Tensions in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) have escalated as mass protests erupt against the Pakistani government’s neglect and violent repression of citizen demands for reforms. Demonstrators, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, are calling for the implementation of a 38-point Self-Rule Charter, including the abolition of reserved assembly seats for Kashmiri refugees and demands for better public services. The Pakistani administration’s heavy-handed response, including firing on protesters, has intensified public outrage and led to widespread unrest across multiple districts. This crisis not only highlights the growing discontent within PoK but also poses a significant challenge to Islamabad’s authority, potentially destabilizing the region further and complicating its governance.