Gen Z Students Protest Against Pakistani Government's Education Policies in PoK: Violence Erupts After Shooting Incident

The Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is experiencing violent unrest as Gen Z students protest against the Shehbaz Sharif government's educational policies. What began as peaceful demonstrations against rising university fees and problematic examination processes has escalated into a serious conflict after gunfire injured a student protester.

This marks the second major upheaval in PoK in recent months, following earlier violent demonstrations demanding economic relief, including tax reductions, affordable electricity, and completion of development projects.

The current protests originated at Muzaffarabad's University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) earlier this month. Students mobilized against substantial fee increases and irregularities in examination results following the implementation of a new digital assessment system for matriculation and intermediate levels.

Students voiced serious concerns after intermediate first-year exam results were released six months late. Many reported receiving unexpectedly low marks, while others claimed they passed subjects they never took examinations for.

Although administrators established a review panel, they simultaneously imposed a rechecking fee of Rs 1,500 per subject, further intensifying student frustration. The government additionally banned student unions and political activities at the university.

The situation worsened when an individual reportedly opened fire on protesting students earlier this week before escaping. According to Kashmir Digital, eyewitnesses identified Raja Mamoon Fahad as the person who fired on students while police were present, yet he managed to flee without serious intervention.

After footage of the incident spread across social media, citizens' groups and student organizations united to protest against the Sharif government and alleged military abuses.

Reports indicate the Sharif administration is taking significant measures to suppress these protests, fearing they could gain momentum not only in PoK but throughout Pakistan. The government appears concerned that the movement resembles the Gen Z protests in Nepal, where students demonstrated against corruption and lack of development opportunities following a social media ban.

Pakistani authorities worry the protests could expand nationally if more groups join the students. The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) has already announced its support for the student protesters, potentially strengthening the movement against the establishment.