The months-long protest movement in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has entered a critical phase, with the Pakistani establishment reportedly blocking both food and medicine supplies to the region while instructing hospitals not to treat injured demonstrators, according to officials. The crackdown, attributed to directives from the Pakistan Army under Field Marshal Asim Munir, has pushed the civilian population — including those with no connection to the agitation — into acute distress.

Medicine Shortage Cripples Hospitals

Officials say hospitals across PoK are critically short of medicines, unable to meet even basic healthcare needs. The shortage is a direct consequence of Islamabad blocking supply lines into the region, according to official accounts. Crucially, the impact is not limited to protesters — residents with routine medical needs are also being turned away or left without treatment.

An Intelligence Bureau official stated that staff at hospitals, schools, and government offices have been warned against providing any assistance to those participating in the protests, which have now stretched beyond two months. 'There is a sense of fear that has set in across institutions,' the official said.

Army Accused of Directing the Crackdown

According to officials, the Pakistan Army is driving the administration's response, with local political leaders reportedly threatened not to engage with protest leaders. This has kept dialogue channels closed. Security forces have also allegedly instructed hospitals to deny treatment to injured protesters, with warnings of consequences for non-compliance.

Officials further allege that every march by protesters has been met with firing by Pakistani security forces. The current shift to sit-ins has, according to reports, frustrated the security establishment, which is now reportedly using the denial of essential supplies as a pressure tactic. Officials suggest the establishment may be deliberately provoking demonstrators into violence to justify a more forceful crackdown.

JAAC Vows to Escalate, Calls on Opposition

Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leader Sardar Aman Khan said the movement would not be broken by coercion. 'No amount of pressure will make them back down,' he said, calling on both young and old residents to join the protests in larger numbers. Khan also urged Pakistan's opposition parties to move beyond statements and physically join the agitation, arguing that political slogans alone are insufficient.

The JAAC has indicated that sit-ins will continue for at least another couple of weeks, with the committee reportedly considering a shift toward a more decisive strategy in the coming days.

India Watches Closely, J&K Voices Support

Access to PoK has been completely sealed, with neither entry nor exit permitted, according to officials — a move described as deliberate to exhaust the protest movement. Analysts watching the situation warn of two possible outcomes: either demonstrators grow frustrated and stand down, or the pressure tips into open conflict.

India is closely monitoring developments. Voices in Jammu and Kashmir have expressed solidarity with the people of PoK and condemned the Pakistani establishment's response. The JAAC has also called on residents of Jammu and Kashmir to be more vocal and to organise marches in support. How the situation resolves — through dialogue or further escalation — will depend largely on whether Islamabad lifts its embargo and allows political engagement with the JAAC.