Tens of thousands protest in PoK against economic policies, call for freedom

People took to the streets in Hajira region of Rawalakot district in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on September 5, 2023, to protest against the government's economic policies. The protesters expressed frustration over unjust tax hikes, an unprecedented surge in electricity bills despite prolonged power cuts, and against a state-manufactured crisis of essential services in the region. They also called for a complete shutdown of the region today, bringing it to a standstill. Pro-independence groups and nationalist parties also called for freedom from the clutches of Pakistan.