‘Gen Z’ protests erupt in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir; 5,000 Pakistani soldiers deployed !

(‘Gen Z’: The generation born between 1996 and 2010)

Muzaffarabad – The ‘Gen Z’ protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have intensified. Groups of students have taken to the streets in support of their demands. Pakistan’s Shahbaz government has recently deployed 5,000 soldiers from Islamabad to crush the student agitation. Student unions from six universities, including those in Mirpur, Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot, have been suspended. Students in PoK universities are protesting against lack of transparency in examinations and against fee hikes. Nine people have reportedly died during this week’s unrest.

The ‘Awami Action Committee’ (AAC) — a platform comprising traders, lawyers and other organisations — has extended support to the students. The protest slogan of the students is “Abhi nahi to kabhi nahi” (“If not now, then never”). The students are demonstrating against the current government of PoK. Pakistan has maintained control over PoK since 1947.