What's driving the rising unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir?

The recent surge in unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir is driven by economic grievances and a growing demand for genuine political participation among the local population. Initially sparked by frustration over soaring electricity bills and flour prices, the protests have evolved into a broader challenge to Islamabad's authority in the region.

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a coalition of traders, lawyers, students, civil society activists, and local political figures, has led the charge since 2023. Rejecting established Pakistani parties as ineffective, the JAAC focuses on basic issues such as high taxation, poor public services, and limited job opportunities.

With youth unemployment reaching nearly 27 percent and women's employment standing at just 8 percent, the region faces significant economic challenges. While the government has temporarily addressed some concerns by lowering electricity rates and subsidizing wheat, activists argue that these measures do not tackle the underlying structural issues of economic exclusion.

The campaign against inflation has now morphed into a critique of governance, with a younger generation demanding accountability, transparency, and representation that serves their needs. A contentious aspect of Pakistan-administered Kashmir's constitution is the 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees who fled Indian-administered Kashmir during and after the 1947 and 1965 wars.

These representatives, who reside in other Pakistani provinces, are elected to the regional assembly, a move supporters argue preserves the political rights of displaced families and bolsters Islamabad's diplomatic stance. Stripping these seats could weaken Pakistan's position in its ongoing dispute with India.