There was massive protest in cities and towns of Azad Kashmir to press the demand for the unconditional release of the students. Protestors came out on the streets of Rawalakot, Thorar, Dadiyal, Bag, Dhirkot, Mandol, Hejira, Muzaffarabad, Kotli and many more cities and Towns.

August 29, 2025: A massive public protest erupted in Rawalakot, the headquarters of Poonch District, drawing thousands of participants demanding the unconditional release of the students whose only crime was to raise demands and slogans for a free and united Jammu and Kashmir peacefully on 14th of August 2025 and a longstanding movement for political and economic rights of the people. 

The scale and intensity of the public participation were surprising. People came out on the streets or observed a complete shutter-down in their cities and towns such as Rawalakot, Thorar, Dadiyal, Bag, Dhirkot, Mandol, Hejira, Muzaffarabad, Kotli and many more but the event has received virtually no coverage in Pakistani mainstream media, a silence attributed to strict censorship and control over journalistic freedom in the region. 

A Protest Unseen 

The protest, captured in images and in videos by city journalists circulating on social media platforms, especially on X, showcases a sea of people waving flags and chanting slogans, their voices echoing through the streets of Rawalakot, Thorar, Dadiyal, Bag, Dhirkot, Mandol, Hejira, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and many more cities and Towns. The gathering, which began as a response to the detention of students and activists advocating for freedom and reunification, quickly swelled into a broader movement against perceived injustices and repression. However, the absence of mainstream media coverage has left many outside the region unaware of the event's significance. 

Local sources report that the protest was organized by groups like the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), which has been at the forefront of demanding lower prices for essential commodities and greater political freedoms. The demonstrators, many of whom are students, have been particularly vocal about the arbitrary arrests and alleged torture of their peers, who were detained for raising slogans calling for the reunification of Kashmir. 

Media Silence Amidst Censorship 

The lack of media coverage is not coincidental but a direct result of Pakistan's stringent control over information flow in Azad Kashmir. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has historically restricted reporting on sensitive issues, particularly those involving dissent against the state or its policies in AJK. Journalists and media outlets face severe repercussions for covering such events, including temporary bans, fines, and even closure. 

This censorship is part of a broader pattern. In recent years, PEMRA has occasionally halted broadcasts and closed media outlets that deviate from the official narrative. The 2024 ban on several YouTube channels, including those of journalists like Arzoo Kazmi, was seen as an attempt to silence voices critical of the government and military establishment. Critics argue that this move is part of a larger effort to suppress opposition and restrict freedom of speech, especially online, as traditional media faces increasing control. Social Media as a Lifeline. In the absence of traditional media coverage, social media has become a critical tool for disseminating information about the protest. Accounts like @EhtesabbTV and @OsintTV have shared videos and updates, bypassing the censorship imposed by the state. These platforms have allowed the voices of the protesters to reach a global audience, highlighting the scale of the demonstration and the urgency of their demands.

The video from Rawalakot shows a leader addressing the crowd, his arm raised in a gesture of defiance, while thousands respond with raised hands and chants. The scene is one of unity and resolve, yet it remains unseen by many due to the media blackout. Social media users have expressed frustration over the lack of international attention, with some questioning why global human rights organizations have not responded more robustly.

Historical Context of Media Control 

The censorship of media in Azad Kashmir is not a new phenomenon. Since the 1974 Interim Constitution Act, the Pakistani government has maintained tight control over the region, requiring candidates for office to pledge loyalty to Pakistan and effectively barring pro-independence voices. This control extends to the media, where outlets are often pressured to align with the state's narrative.

Human Rights Watch's 2006 report highlighted how the Pakistani government represses democratic freedoms and muzzles the press in AJK, noting routine torture and the suppression of critical reporting. The report's findings remain relevant today, as journalists continue to face intimidation, and self-censorship is widespread. The 2019 OHCHR report also documented restrictions on freedom of expression, yet the international community's response has been limited, with little pressure on Pakistan to relax its grip on media freedom. 

Implications for Democracy and Human Rights 

The absence of media coverage for such a significant event raises serious questions about the state of democracy and human rights in Azad Kashmir. Protesters argue that the lack of visibility perpetuates a cycle of impunity, allowing the authorities to act without accountability. The detention of students for expressing political views, coupled with the media blackout, underscores a broader pattern of suppressing dissent. 

Local activists like Shaukat Nawaz Mir of the JKJAAC have called for reforms that would allow for free expression and assembly, emphasizing the need for an independent press. However, the current environment makes such changes unlikely without significant international pressure. The silence of Pakistani media, enforced by censorship, not only deprives the public of information but also isolates the region from global scrutiny. 

International Response and Future Outlook 

The international community’s response to the situation in Azad Kashmir has been tepid, with organizations like the UN Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch facing criticism for their perceived inaction. While these bodies have occasionally highlighted specific incidents, such as the violent response to the Kashmir Long March in May 2024, the lack of sustained attention has allowed the status quo to persist. 

As the protest in Rawalakot fades from the headlines due to media censorship, the underlying issues remain unresolved. The hunger strikes by detained students and the broader demand for political rights continue to simmer, threatening to erupt again. For the people of Azad Kashmir, the struggle for visibility and voice is as critical as the fight for freedom itself.

In a region where the media is silenced, the true scale of public sentiment often remains hidden. Yet, the resilience of the protesters, amplified by social media, offers a glimmer of hope that their message will eventually break through the barriers of censorship and reach a global audience demanding justice and accountability.