Gen Z Rises Up: Protests Rock Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) has seen a wave of protests in recent months. What started with local grievances over land and basic services has now gained new momentum with the powerful voice of Gen Z. Young people are stepping onto the streets to demand change, especially after a flawed education system sparked outrage. These protests highlight deep problems within the region, from poor infrastructure to how Pakistan controls PoK.

The Spark: Students Demand Fair Education

The current wave of Gen Z protests began with students in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Their main issues revolve around the University of Kashmir, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. A new e-digital assessment system caused major problems.

Flawed Exam Results

Students reported shocking results after their semester exams, which came out on October 30th. Many students who performed well received very low scores, some as low as 5, 8, or 10 marks. Even more concerning, some students received marks for subjects they had not even taken. This showed a deeply broken system. Students felt their efforts were ignored and their futures were at risk because of this unfair digital grading. They questioned the system and demanded proper grading for their exams.

High Fees for Rechecking

When students wanted their answer sheets rechecked, they faced another hurdle. The fee for rechecking one answer sheet was 1,500 Pakistani Rupees. To put this into perspective, 1 Pakistani Rupee is worth about three Indian Rupees. This means the rechecking fee was roughly 500 Indian Rupees per copy. Students reported that having all their copies reevaluated could cost up to 100,000 Pakistani Rupees. These high costs made it hard for many students to fight for fair grades.

Peaceful Protests Turn Violent

Initially, students in Muzaffarabad held peaceful protests, asking for education system reform and fair results. However, these peaceful demonstrations took a dark turn when an unknown gunman fired upon the protesters. This act of violence angered the young people, turning their peaceful demands into more intense, sometimes violent, actions. The students felt their voices were not just ignored but met with force.

A Global Trend: Gen Z Leads the Way

The rise of Gen Z protests in PoK is not an isolated event. It follows a global pattern where young people are becoming a powerful force for change. From Bangladesh to Nepal, and even in parts of the Philippines and Indonesia, Gen Z has led movements that have shaken up established powers.

This trend shows that young people are losing patience with old ways and broken systems. They are using their collective voice to demand better governance, transparency, and a future they believe in. Even in the United States, young people were at the forefront of protests against perceived injustices. The expectation is that this generation will continue to push for significant changes worldwide.

Deeper Issues in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

Beyond the student grievances, PoK has been "boiling" with protests for a long time. These ongoing demonstrations highlight many severe problems caused by how the Pakistani government runs the region. The people of PoK feel their resources are being exploited and their basic needs are not met.

Here are some of the long-standing issues driving unrest:

• Land Disputes: Many people in PoK are protesting over land issues, feeling their land rights are threatened.
• High Electricity Prices: Despite electricity being generated in PoK, residents face very high prices for their own power. This feels unfair to the local population.
• Wheat Shortages: The region struggles with shortages and high prices for essential goods like wheat, making daily life difficult for many families.
• Poor Infrastructure: There is a general lack of development, with poor roads, buildings, and essential services across PoK.
• Chinese Interference: The growing presence and influence of China in the region is a major concern. Locals worry about China's economic activities and their impact on local life and resources.
• Exploitation of Resources: Many believe that Pakistan controls PoK purely to extract its resources. The people feel they gain little benefit from their own land's wealth.
• Terrorism Concerns: The area is reportedly used for "terrorism training camps," especially in beautiful places like Muzaffarabad and the Neelum Valley. This brings instability and fear to the region.

The people of PoK believe that the area, which is called "Azad Kashmir," is not truly free. They feel that all decisions are made in Islamabad, Pakistan's capital, rather than by local leaders. This belief fuels a strong desire for self-determination and greater freedom.

The Role of China and Water Resources

China has a strategic interest in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, particularly for its freshwater resources. The region's glaciers provide a vast supply of fresh water, which is crucial for modern industries. For example, creating advanced semiconductor chips requires an enormous amount of fresh water – up to 10,000 liters for just one square centimeter of a chip.

China is heavily investing in technology, including quantum computing and finding alternatives to companies like Nvidia, a major chip manufacturer. To achieve these goals, China needs a steady supply of fresh water. Many believe that Pakistan's government, being influenced by China, is allowing access to these vital resources in PoK. This further fuels local resentment, as people feel their natural resources are being used for foreign gain without benefiting their communities.

Government Response and Future Outlook

The protests have led to the formation of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which represents the people's demands. So far, the Pakistani government has not publicly commented on the protests or responded to the demands. Instead, they have banned all political activities in the region.

The government's silence and the ban on political activities show their concern about these protests, especially given the involvement of young Gen Z students. History shows that student movements can often be the start of bigger changes. With PoK continuing to experience unrest month after month, the future remains uncertain. However, the determination of the people, especially the youth, for change and freedom seems to be growing stronger.

A Moment for Hope

The protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir are a clear signal of deep discontent. While the Pakistani government has not yet responded constructively, the continued defiance of the people, especially the youth, highlights a powerful demand for justice and freedom. Many hope that these protests, led by a determined new generation, will ultimately bring about real improvements for the people of PoK.