Pakistan's military, regional police forces, and civil administration are facing a growing threat of large-scale desertions as civil unrest deepens across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials who shared their assessment on Tuesday, 16 June. The officials warned that a section of PoK-origin personnel embedded in Pakistan's state institutions is becoming increasingly disillusioned with the authorities' response to the protests.

Calls to Resign From Within

According to the IB officials, calls have reportedly emerged within PoK urging local residents employed in the armed forces, police, and civil administration to resign in protest against alleged excesses by security forces. Officials noted that dissatisfaction within the ranks is intensifying, driven by the continued use of force against demonstrators.

An official stated that no meaningful efforts are being made to resolve the underlying grievances. Pakistani army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has reportedly directed authorities to handle the protests with an iron fist. 'He is in no mood to listen to the protesters' demands and believes that if they refuse to back down, the use of force will be the only option,' the official said.

Discontent Spreads to Balochistan and KP

The disillusionment within Pakistan's security apparatus is not confined to PoK, according to officials. Similar sentiments are reportedly being observed in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where security forces have struggled to contain armed groups including the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Officials claimed that both the BLA and TTP possess superior local intelligence networks and a deeper understanding of the terrain than Pakistani security forces. A significant number of army, police, and government personnel also hail from these very regions, compounding the reluctance to act against their own communities. 'Many personnel are weary of being pitted against their own people,' officials said, adding that allegations of excesses have risen sharply — a development that many within the ranks find difficult to accept.

Desertions Ongoing but Suppressed

While desertions are said to be occurring regularly, the issue remains largely concealed, as few personnel are willing to speak openly against the Pakistan Army for fear of repercussions. Indian agencies assess that if the army persists with its current approach and fails to address growing internal discontent, it could face a significant exodus of troops — potentially involving a substantial number of personnel.

PoK Protests Show No Sign of Easing

On the ground in PoK, the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Committee (JAAC) has intensified its agitation, with an increasing number of people joining the movement. Protesters have openly directed criticism at Asim Munir, holding him personally responsible for the deteriorating situation. Their long-standing demands include greater regional rights, better political representation, and increased development for the area.

Notably, the growing participation of women — seen marching alongside community leaders and activists — has added a new dimension to the protests and further unsettled the administration. Pakistani security forces continue to respond with force, drawing fresh allegations of human rights violations. Although PoK has witnessed protest movements in the past, officials and observers note that this agitation shows little sign of losing momentum.