The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on Monday, 20 July declared that its voluntary shutdown and wheel-jam strike would continue in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with large numbers of protesters maintaining sit-ins across the region. The group simultaneously issued an urgent call for citizens to mobilise in full force on July 23, describing the date as 'a very important day' on which 'an important announcement' would be made.

The July 23 Call to Action

Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri, writing on behalf of the JAAC on X, appealed directly to residents of the Mirpur and Muzaffarabad Divisions to step out of their homes and join the protest in full strength. People of the Poonch Division were specifically urged to participate in sit-ins and hold programmes at their nearest stations.

'An appeal from the Mirpur and Muzaffarabad Divisions that July 23 is a very important day — come out of your homes and protest in full force. Pray for the elevation of the ranks of your great martyrs and the success of the movement,' Kashmiri wrote in the post.

JAAC's Core Demands and Negotiating Stance

The committee reiterated its position that no compromise would be entertained on its foundational demands, framing the ongoing agitation as a test of unity and endurance. 'We demand implementation of our recognised demands — with patience, wisdom, unity and solidarity, and steadfastness, we will succeed in our struggle — no compromise of any kind will be made on the basic points in negotiations,' the JAAC stated on X.

The unrest in PoK has claimed over 30 lives so far, according to reports, underscoring the gravity of a movement that has drawn participation from women and children alongside mainstream protesters.

Background: Suspended Long March and Negotiations

The current phase follows a tense standoff last week, when the JAAC had mobilised thousands of supporters for a long march toward Muzaffarabad after its July 14 deadline to the Pakistani government expired without a response. Caravans from across the region converged on Rawalakot and other protest sites, with large participation reported from multiple divisions.

The march was subsequently suspended following negotiations with Pakistani authorities, reportedly involving Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir and JAAC leadership. The committee had described that pause as giving the government 'one final opportunity' to address its demands — a window it says has not been meaningfully used.

What Happens Next

The JAAC has warned that if no concrete action is forthcoming from the Pakistani government, the long march toward Muzaffarabad will resume this week, while sit-ins across PoK remain ongoing. The 'important announcement' flagged for July 23 is widely expected to determine the next escalation step. All eyes are now on whether Islamabad moves before that deadline or faces a renewed and larger mobilisation.