Pakistan Blocks Food, Fuel and Medicine Supplies into Kashmir Amid Protests

Darwin, 26 June : Pakistan has reportedly restricted the supply of food, fuel, medicine and other essential goods into Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir in an effort to contain the ongoing anti-government protests.

Local residents claim that cargo trucks carrying essential supplies have been stopped at various entry points, creating shortages of basic necessities in local markets.

According to reports published on Thursday by AFP and Pakistani media outlets, grocery stores, pharmacies and petrol stations across several parts of Azad Kashmir are experiencing shortages of essential goods. As a result, many residents have been forced to travel to neighboring provinces and cities to purchase basic supplies.

Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper reported that many residents of the capital, Muzaffarabad, are traveling to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to obtain food, medicine and fuel. Meanwhile, people from Poonch, Rawalakot, Bagh and the Neelum Valley are sourcing essential items from Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Authorities have also been accused of tightening restrictions on journalists entering the region and limiting internet access. According to local residents, internet services are either completely suspended or operating at extremely slow speeds across most areas.

The protests began on June 5 after the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) launched a movement demanding the abolition of the reserved seats system in the legislative assembly and increased employment opportunities. Clashes between protesters and police, along with security forces, began after a general strike called by the group on June 9.

Earlier reports indicated that at least 24 people had been killed and many others injured during nearly two weeks of unrest. More than 500 people have also reportedly been arrested on allegations of involvement in the protests. However, restrictions on media coverage and internet services have made it difficult to independently verify the latest developments.

Residents say that although the intensity of the demonstrations has eased somewhat following a widespread crackdown and mass arrests, tensions in the region remain high.

Videos circulating on social media appear to show trucks carrying food and other essential supplies being stopped at entry points into Azad Kashmir.

A senior official from Pakistan’s central administration told local media that the government wants to bring the protests under control without further bloodshed. The official claimed that disrupting the supply of essential goods would naturally weaken the momentum of the movement.

Meanwhile, JAAC leaders have vowed to continue the protests. They said preparations are underway for a long march from Rawalakot to the capital, Muzaffarabad, with the participation of around 100,000 people in support of their demands.