Nepal-Like Movement Emerges In PoK: Will gen Z students challenge Shahbaz–Munir regime?

This student-led movement began as a peaceful demonstration against rising university fees and unfair examination procedures, but it soon escalated into a violent incident when individuals opened fire on protesters, injuring one student.

Islamabad: Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has once again been rocked by violent protests. Students, mostly Gen-Z students, have taken to the streets to protest against the educational policies of the Shahbaz Sharif-led government. This student-led movement began as a peaceful demonstration against rising university fees and unfair examination procedures, but it soon escalated into a violent incident when individuals opened fire on protesters, injuring one student.

This is the second major unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in recent months. Violent demonstrations have recently erupted in the region over economic issues, including tax relief, affordable electricity, and the completion of development projects.

Why are Gen-Z students protesting?

This new protest began earlier this month at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) in Muzaffarabad. Students here rallied against the massive fee hike and exam result irregularities following the introduction of a new digital evaluation system at the matriculation and intermediate levels. When the results of the first-year intermediate exams were released after a six-month delay, many students alleged they received significantly lower marks, while others claimed they were passed in subjects they had never appeared in.

Although the university formed a panel to review the process, students were asked to re-check their answer sheets for ₹1,500 per subject, further fueling their anger. The government also banned student unions and political activities at the university. According to a report by Kashmir Digital, the situation worsened when a man opened fire on protesting students earlier this week.

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According to this report, eyewitnesses reported that a man named Raja Mamun Fahad allegedly opened fire on students in the presence of police, but the police did not take serious action against the accused, and he managed to escape from the scene. A video of the incident later went viral on social media, prompting civil society groups and student organizations to unite in protest against the atrocities committed by the Sharif government and the Pakistani army.

Sharif government trying to suppress protests
According to an IANS report, the Sharif government is taking no chances and is making every effort to suppress the protests. It fears that this Gen-Z movement has the potential to spread and gain support not only in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir but also in the rest of Pakistan.

This unrest is similar to the Gen-Z protests in Nepal, where students rallied against corruption and lack of development after the government ordered a ban on social media. This also led to the fall of KP Oli's government. The Pakistani government is also concerned that many others will join the students and this could become a nationwide movement. The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) has said it will support the students, giving the protesters more strength and courage to fight against the government.