Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is witnessing fresh unrest as Gen Z students take to the streets against the Shehbaz Sharif government’s education policies. What began as peaceful protests over rising university fees and flawed exam results turned violent when an unidentified man opened fire, injuring one student.
The demonstrations started at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Muzaffarabad after students received incorrect results under a new digital assessment system. Many claimed they were unfairly failed or marked in subjects they never appeared for. The government’s decision to charge Rs 1,500 per subject for rechecking further angered the students.
Tensions escalated after the alleged shooter, identified as Raja Mamoon Fahad, reportedly opened fire in front of police officers and escaped. Videos of the incident went viral, sparking widespread outrage and solidarity protests across the region.
Student organisations and citizen groups have united against what they call the government’s “oppressive measures.” The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee has also announced support for the movement. Fearing the protests could spread nationwide, the Sharif government has tightened control and banned student political activities.
