Mass protests erupt over unjust tax hikes, electricity bills, inflation in PoK

Sep 05, 2023

Hajira (Pakistan occupied Kashmir), Sept. 05 (ANI):Tens of hundreds of people took to streets in Hajira region of Rawalakot district in Pakistan occupied Kashmir as they staged massive demonstrations against the government. They expressed frustration over unjust tax hikes, an unprecedented surge in electricity bills despite prolonged power cuts, and against a state-manufactured crisis of essential services in the region. Demonstrators have called for a complete shutdown today, bringing the region to standstill. Pro-independence groups and nationalist parties also called for freedom from the clutches of Pakistan. Similar protests have enveloped almost entire regions of illegally occupied PoK and Gilgit Baltistan. Locals say while they are being made to pay unjustifiable taxes, the leaders and bureaucrats are wallowing in luxury. People in PoK blame Pakistan for exploiting the region for over seven and a half decades and not sharing revenue fairly with the people of the region who have a prerogative over resources of the region.