Asim Munir’s security establishment is under growing strain as Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif softened his stand on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) protesters this week. Sharif’s party, PML(N), called 99 per cent of the demonstrators “patriotic” people, even as unrest continues to grip Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and PoK at the same time.
Why Has Shehbaz Sharif Softened His Tone On PoK Protesters?
Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, headed by Shehbaz Sharif, has called the demonstrators “patriotic” citizens. This is a marked shift from the earlier hardline approach backed by Asim Munir’s military apparatus. According to news agency PTI, the party is now preparing to take charge of the local government in PoK. This follows elections that India has termed a “complete farce.” At least 100 civilians have reportedly been killed in the crackdown so far.
The retreat comes after months of unrest led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, known as JAAC. Pakistan had banned JAAC as a terrorist organisation and imposed a communications blackout across the region from June 5, 2026. Elections in PoK, which began on July 27, were repeatedly disrupted. JAAC has called the vote a “sham held at gunpoint.”
Why Is Britain Furious With Pakistan Over PoK?
A British national has died and another remains jailed, straining ties between London and Islamabad. Mohammad Akhtar, 50, from Peterborough, was killed on June 9, 2026, in Kotli after security forces opened fire near a protest site. His family says he was not part of the demonstration and was struck by a stray bullet outside his home.
Waqas Arif, 38, from Nottingham, was detained in Mirpur on June 5, 2026. His family insists he had no role in the protests. His sister said Pakistani forces took him away without explanation. British consular officials have confirmed he is in good health but have not spoken to him directly.
The UK Foreign Office said it remains “deeply concerned” and that ministers are engaging with Pakistani counterparts. Travel advisories were updated on August 7, 2026, cautioning against all but essential travel to affected areas.
What Led To The Present Situation In PoK?
- Long-standing public anger over governance, electricity prices and taxation in PoK.
- A political dispute over legislative representation that turned violent in mid-2026.
- A security crackdown that reportedly killed dozens, drawing accusations from rights groups.
- Imposition of a communications blackout and a ban on JAAC from June 5, 2026.
- Disrupted elections from July 27, 2026, which the opposition called illegitimate.
- International attention after British nationals were caught in the violence.
What Happens Next For Asim Munir And Pakistan?
Pakistan’s government now faces pressure from multiple directions. Analysts note that no amount of military messaging can substitute for political consent in restive regions. With Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and PoK simmering together, Asim Munir’s establishment faces a credibility test at home and abroad. Sharif’s outreach to PoK protesters may ease tensions temporarily, but questions remain over accountability for civilian deaths and the fate of detained British nationals. Islamabad’s foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment on the matter, according to reports.
This report is based on verified statements from PTI, UK Foreign Office updates and published accounts of the unrest. Figures on casualties vary across sources and official confirmation is awaited on several claims.