New Delhi: Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is burning. Protests have turned violent. People are on the streets. On Monday alone, 4 police personnel were killed. Seven civilians were also died. Hundreds were injured. In the middle of all this, a government document has revealed that most Pakistani police personnel posted to PoK and Gilgit are simply refusing to show up for duty. Pakistan’s government has now begun action against them. One officer was dismissed on Monday. A full list of absentees is being prepared. A law to sack them all at once may follow.
Why police are refusing to go?
The major cause is the fear of death. PoK is dangerous right now. This is the third major unrest in the region in two years. Officers know what is waiting for them.
Another reason is terrible salaries and payment. A constable in PoK earns just 15,899 Pakistani rupees a month. In Punjab, the same rank gets 73,000 Pakistani rupees. In Sindh, it is 69,000. In September 2025, 11,000 police personnel had taken to the streets over pay. They said they were still being paid on the 2012 scale despite a 2022 revision.
Why is PoK burning?
Pakistan is preparing to hold elections in PoK. But locals are angry before the vote even happens. Their demand is simple — scrap the 12 seats reserved for refugee Kashmiris in the PoK assembly.
PoK has been under Pakistani control since 1947-48. It covers around 13,300 square kilometres. Pakistan runs it as a centrally administered territory. The People’s Party is currently in power there.
What happens next?
The Pakistan government is building a case against officers who refused duty. A new law is being drafted to remove them collectively. But with pay this low and violence this high, forcing men into PoK may prove harder than passing any law.
What happened recently?
The violence began at a funeral. Locals had gathered outside the Combined Military Hospital in Rawalkot to pray for Shahjeb Habib, a man killed by Pakistan Rangers. Aawami Action Committee leaders were present. The crowd raised slogans against the Pakistan army and government. Security forces opened fire on the gathering.
The Committee has alleged 27 protesters were killed. Locals put the number above 100. No confirmed figure exists. Over 100 people are reportedly arrested. The Committee also claims dead bodies have been taken into custody by security forces.
This was not an isolated incident. PoK has been restless for weeks. People have been protesting against what activists describe as imposition and high-handed behaviour by Pakistan’s security forces. Earlier clashes killed 7 people in which 4 from the PoK police and 3 from Rangers and Frontier Corps.
