The people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have appealed to the Indian government for medicines and essential food supplies, as a reported blockade by the Pakistani establishment — allegedly ordered on the instructions of Field Marshal Asim Munir — enters its third week, according to Indian officials monitoring the situation. The appeal, made amid sustained protests across the region lasting more than a month, signals what officials describe as a full-blown humanitarian crisis.

The Blockade and Its Impact

Indian officials said the Pakistani establishment has blocked the supply of rations and medicines to PoK for the past 20 days, with the suspension of food supplies preceding the cutoff of medicines. According to officials, the blockade was deliberately designed to pressure residents into abandoning their protests. 'There is a full-blown economic blockade of the region,' one official said.

Residents are reportedly facing acute food shortages, while those injured during demonstrations are allegedly being denied essential medical care. The full scale of the crisis remains difficult to independently verify, officials noted, because internet services have been shut down and media access to the region has been severely curtailed.

JAAC Demands and the LoC Appeal

Sardar Aman, a leader of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), has formally appealed to the Indian government to open the Line of Control (LoC), urging that civilians be permitted to cross into India if conditions continue to deteriorate. Officials said the request follows the Pakistan military's reported decision to open fire on protesters should the agitation not subside.

The JAAC has also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Pakistani government to meet its demands, warning that it would launch a 'decisive phase' of its agitation if the deadline — set around 6 July — passed without compliance. The committee alleged that security forces could make repeated attempts to provoke protesters in order to justify a crackdown, and urged demonstrators to maintain discipline.

International Bodies Invited to Assess the Situation

The JAAC has invited the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to visit PoK on 9 July to independently assess alleged atrocities by Pakistani security forces against the local population. The committee alleged that residents are facing state-sponsored oppression and called on the international community to speak out.

Indian Assessment and What Comes Next

Indian agencies believe the Pakistani establishment is likely to adopt an even more aggressive posture following the fresh ultimatum. Officials warned that security forces could intensify their use of force against protesters, adding that the establishment appears unwilling to concede any demands. One official alleged that Asim Munir may pursue harsher measures — including what the official described as potential genocide — if protests persist, though this claim could not be independently verified. Officials also said that serious human rights violations have reportedly been taking place in the region for several days.

With the 9 July international visit now requested and the 48-hour ultimatum clock running, the next few days will be critical in determining whether the standoff escalates further or opens space for any negotiated resolution.