Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is witnessing a renewed wave of unrest, this time led by students. What began as a movement against unfair exam evaluations and rising fees at the University of Azad Kashmir has rapidly turned into a full-blown political crisis.
Authorities responded by banning student unions and campus political activities, which only deepened the anger. Students have now taken to the streets, raising slogans against the Shehbaz Sharif government and the Pakistan military&rsquo;s alleged atrocities.
Intelligence inputs suggest the protests could spread beyond PoK, potentially igniting nationwide dissent similar to the youth-led uprisings once seen in Nepal and Bangladesh. Analysts say corruption, poor governance, and lack of employment have long plagued PoK, and student anger may be the spark that turns simmering discontent into a wider movement.
The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee has expressed support for the students, further strengthening the protest&rsquo;s momentum. Officials warn that arbitrary arrests, human rights violations, and repression of dissent are deepening public resentment.
With multiple regional crises already straining the Pakistani establishment from Balochistan to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the growing student revolt in PoK adds yet another front of instability. Experts caution that unless Islamabad acts swiftly and sensitively, Pakistan may soon face a nationwide storm of unrest.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]

Student protests in PoK echo Nepal and Bangladesh revolts, rattling Sharif government

Student Uprising Boils Over in PoK

Student protests in PoK echo Nepal and Bangladesh revolts, rattling Sharif government

November 5, 2025 | 13:48 IST