'Natural consequence of Pakistan’s oppressive approach': MEA on PoK protests

Randhir Jaiswal

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that Pakistan must be held accountable for the protests in Pok and called it a natural consequence of Pakistan’s oppressive approach.

“We have seen reports of protests across several areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including acts of brutality by Pakistani forces against innocent civilians. This is a natural consequence of Pakistan’s oppressive approach, and they must be held accountable," MEA spokesperon Randhir Jaiswal said in a press briefing.

VIDEO | Delhi: In a press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) commented on the violence in PoK: “We have seen reports of protests across several areas of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including acts of brutality by Pakistani forces against innocent civilians. This… pic.twitter.com/FBvYQa0cwC

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 3, 2025

The MEA also condemned the violent crackdown on demonstrators and blamed Pakistan for “horrific human rights violations.”

PoK has been gripped by one of its largest protest waves in recent years. Thousands of residents across Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Rawalakot and Neelum Valley took to the streets after talks collapsed between the Awami Action Committee (AAC)- a coalition of traders, lawyers and civil groups- and Pakistani authorities.

The AAC responded with a “shutter-down and wheel-jam strike”, paralysing daily life.

Several people have been killed and dozens more injured after Pakistani forces opened fire on demonstrators, according to local reports.