SRINAGAR: Food and medicine shortages continued to affect daily life across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as a region-wide shutdown called by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) entered its second week amid ongoing protests and unrest.
According to AFP, residents of Muzaffarabad reported severe disruptions in the supply of essential commodities, including medicines and fuel, as markets remained shut and transport services were affected.
The JAAC, a civil rights alliance that was recently proscribed by authorities, has been leading demonstrations against the PoK government over the issue of reserved seats in the region’s legislative assembly for refugees from Jammu and Kashmir who are now settled in Pakistan.
Officials have said that clashes linked to the protests have resulted in at least 20 deaths since last week, including four law enforcement personnel.
Shops remained closed and streets largely deserted in Muzaffarabad on Tuesday as protesters continued sit-ins and demonstrations in several towns.
“I have been given medicine from Ambor Hospital by the doctor, but I have searched the entire city and cannot find it anywhere,” AFP quoted 64-year-old resident Muhammad Masqeen as saying. He said major stores were closed and that he lacked the resources to travel to another city to obtain the required medication.
Another resident, Khawaja Rayaz, told AFP that fuel shortages were creating difficulties for people needing to travel for work or emergencies.
“We are facing serious difficulties,” he said, urging the administration to ensure petrol supplies for the public.
Sabar Hussain, a labourer in Muzaffarabad, said food supplies had also become a concern as the shutdown continued.
“We are not able to find anything to eat except vegetables,” AFP quoted him as saying. “The markets are closed, and we are worried.”
The JAAC has maintained that the reserved seats are being used by mainstream Pakistani political parties to influence government formation in PoK. The group has demanded changes to the existing electoral arrangement.
Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said last week that the protests were aimed at disrupting elections scheduled to be held in PoK on July 27.
The situation remains tense, with authorities and protest leaders yet to announce any breakthrough in efforts to resolve the dispute.
