PoK Protests Enter 20th Day As JAAC Gives Pakistan June 23 Deadline To Resolve Crisis

Last Updated:June 22, 2026, 14:24 IST

The Joint Awami Action Committee has put residents on alert for its next course of action if the June 23 deadline passes.

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has given Pakistani authorities until June 23 to peacefully resolve the crisis in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where protests against Pakistan’s military establishment have entered their 20th day.

The committee warned that it would announce its next course of action if the deadline passed without a resolution and asked people across the region to remain on alert.

The ultimatum comes as protesters describe Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as being under siege, with a complete shutdown, road blockades, an internet blackout and shortages of food, medicines and surgical supplies. Multiple hospitals and maternity clinics are reportedly running out of medical supplies because of the blockade.

JAAC Rejects ‘Terrorism’ And ‘Anti-State’ Labels

The JAAC strongly rejected attempts by Pakistani authorities and sections of the media to portray the protest movement as linked to terrorism or anti-state activities.

It said the movement was peaceful and directed against the policies of Pakistan’s rulers, not the state, adding that it would continue to criticise the policies of the country’s military establishment.

The committee also accused the authorities of holding what it called “deceptive" negotiations and failing to implement an agreement reached in 2025.

JAAC Hails ‘Historic’ Shutdown

The Committee praised residents for maintaining what it described as a historic lockdown and commended their resilience since the protests began on June 5.

It called for mass participation in the continuing sit-ins and specifically urged women and young people to join the movement.

Committee Welcomes Mediation Efforts

The JAAC thanked peace jirgas and bar councils for attempting to mediate between the protesters and the authorities and for working to de-escalate the situation.

However, top Indian intelligence sources told CNN-News18 that these efforts had failed because of the prevailing public sentiment in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

PoK Faces Humanitarian Crisis

The prolonged blockade and shutdown have disrupted the movement of essential goods, while restrictions and the communication blackout have made it difficult to assess the full scale of the crisis.

Top Indian intelligence sources said repression, the humanitarian situation and sustained public mobilisation had pushed the region towards an almost total collapse.

The sources said Pakistani security forces appeared to retain control on the ground, but at the cost of their credibility and amid escalating tensions.

Independent verification remains difficult because of the blackout and restrictions across the region.

Around 1,460 Detained, Arrested Or Missing

At least 23 more Kashmiris were reportedly arrested on Sunday amid the continuing crackdown.

Around 1,460 Kashmiris have reportedly been detained, arrested or gone missing during the ongoing military operation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

British Kashmiris Protest In London

British Kashmiris held a protest in London on Sunday in support of the Joint Awami Action Committee.

They marched from Parliament Square to 10 Downing Street and sought to draw attention to the crackdown and humanitarian situation in the region.

Some protesters alleged that the Pakistani military was kidnapping their relatives and family friends in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

July Elections Could Become Major Issue

Top Indian intelligence sources said the elections scheduled for July were likely to become a major issue in the coming days as public anger and mobilisation continued across the region.

About the Author

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

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