G.D. Bakshi on Protests in PoK Against Pakistan Army: 'People of Balochistan, K-P & PoK Don't Want to Live Under Occupation'
In recent months, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), along with Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), has witnessed escalating protests against the Pakistan Army and government, reflecting deep-seated discontent among local populations. Major General (Retd) G.D. Bakshi, a prominent Indian military commentator, has been vocal about these developments, asserting that the people of these regions "do not want to live under Pakistani occupation." His statements, made in the context of ongoing unrest in PoK and other regions, highlight the growing resistance against alleged atrocities, economic neglect, and suppression by the Pakistani state. This blog explores Bakshi’s remarks, the protests in PoK, and the broader implications for the region, drawing on recent events and sentiments expressed on platforms like X.
Background: Unrest in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has been a flashpoint for protests, with residents demanding greater autonomy, economic rights, and an end to alleged human rights abuses by the Pakistan Army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). In May 2024, violent clashes erupted in PoK when Pakistani Rangers opened fire on protesters demonstrating against rising electricity and flour prices, resulting in at least three civilian deaths and numerous injuries. The protests, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), were part of a non-cooperation movement sparked by economic grievances but quickly escalated into broader demands for political rights, including 12 Assembly seats for displaced persons from PoK.
The JAAC in Rawalakot issued a stark warning to the Pakistan Army, with leader Raja Ghulam Mujtaba declaring at an Iftar dinner in March 2025, "If oppression is unleashed on us, we would not run away but fight back. They would not receive bodies as they do from Balochistan but would instead find them in Mangla Dam." This statement underscores the growing defiance in PoK, where locals are increasingly vocal about their frustration with Islamabad’s governance and military crackdowns.
Similar sentiments have been echoed in Balochistan and K-P, where Baloch nationalist groups and Pashtun communities have protested against military operations, extrajudicial killings, and resource exploitation. Posts on X from September 2025 highlight the scale of resistance, with reports of over 300 Pakistani soldiers abandoning checkpoints in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district, signaling a humiliating retreat amid pressure from local forces.
G.D. Bakshi’s Perspective
Major General (Retd) G.D. Bakshi, known for his outspoken views on national security, has framed the protests in PoK, Balochistan, and K-P as evidence of widespread rejection of Pakistani authority. Speaking to media outlets, Bakshi has argued that the people of these regions "do not want to live under Pakistani occupation" and are rising against a state that prioritizes military control over basic needs like food and electricity. His comments align with his broader narrative of Pakistan’s weakening grip over its territories, particularly in the context of India’s strategic interest in PoK, which New Delhi considers an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir.
Bakshi’s remarks often emphasize the strategic opportunity for India. In an April 2025 interview following the Pahalgam terror attack, he called for a decisive Indian response, suggesting that the unrest in PoK could pave the way for reclaiming the region. "We have discussed the possibility of reclaiming Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir for so long. Perhaps this is the opportune moment to act. The entire international community would likely be in our favour," he stated. Bakshi has also criticized Pakistan’s military leadership, notably slamming Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir’s claims of capturing all of Kashmir, asserting that PoK’s population is increasingly aligned with India’s position.
In a YouTube video titled "GD Bakshi’s FINAL WARNING: WE WANT PoK - Brick by Brick, Bullet by Bullet!" Bakshi reiterated his call for India to capitalize on Pakistan’s internal instability, pointing to the protests as a sign of crumbling control. He has consistently argued that Pakistan’s military, which he labels the "prime terrorist organization" in the country, is losing legitimacy among its own people, particularly in PoK, Balochistan, and K-P.
The Broader Context: Balochistan and K-P
The unrest is not limited to PoK. In Balochistan, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has intensified its campaign against Pakistani forces, with attacks like the one on the Jaffar Express in early 2025, which killed 21 passengers and four paramilitary soldiers. The BLA’s actions, coupled with mass protests led by figures like Mahrang Baloch of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), reflect demands for independence or greater autonomy. The Pakistani government’s response—military crackdowns and arrests—has only fueled further unrest, with shutter-down strikes reported in cities like Turbat and Quetta.
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pashtun communities have protested against military operations and enforced disappearances, with the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) gaining traction. Posts on X describe Pakistan’s military as facing "humiliation" in these regions, with locals rejecting Islamabad’s narrative of sovereignty in favor of self-determination.
India’s Stance and Geopolitical Implications
Bakshi’s comments resonate with India’s official position that PoK is part of its territory, illegally occupied by Pakistan since 1947. The Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has repeatedly signaled its intent to address cross-border terrorism and instability emanating from Pakistan. Following the Pahalgam attack in April 2025, which killed 26 people, Modi and Bakshi both emphasized a strong response, with Bakshi suggesting that Pakistan’s termination of the Shimla Agreement could nullify the Line of Control, benefiting India strategically.
The protests in PoK, Balochistan, and K-P present India with both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, they weaken Pakistan’s internal cohesion, potentially creating openings for diplomatic or strategic maneuvers. On the other hand, any Indian action in PoK risks escalating tensions, especially given the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and global geopolitical realignments. Posts on X reflect Indian public sentiment, with some users celebrating the "humiliation" of Pakistan’s military and calling for the Indian tricolor to fly over PoK and even Lahore.
International and Regional Dynamics
The unrest in PoK and other regions has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch condemning Pakistan’s security forces for extrajudicial killings and torture. The protests also complicate Pakistan’s relations with China, as PoK hosts critical infrastructure projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The deployment of federal forces to protect Chinese workers has further inflamed local grievances, as seen in the violent clashes in May 2024.
For India, the situation underscores the need for a calibrated approach. While Bakshi’s rhetoric of reclaiming PoK resonates with nationalist sentiments, any military or diplomatic move would require careful consideration of international opinion, particularly from the U.S. and China. The global community’s support, as Bakshi suggests, could be pivotal, but India must also weigh the risks of escalating conflict in an already volatile region.
Conclusion
Major General (Retd) G.D. Bakshi’s remarks on the protests in PoK, Balochistan, and K-P highlight a critical juncture in Pakistan’s internal dynamics. The people of these regions, frustrated by economic hardship, military oppression, and political marginalization, are increasingly vocal in their resistance to Pakistani authority. Bakshi’s assertion that they "do not want to live under occupation" reflects a broader sentiment of alienation, amplified by incidents like the Kirishi refinery attack and ongoing insurgencies.
For India, the unrest presents a strategic opportunity to press its claims on PoK, but it also demands careful navigation of geopolitical realities. As protests continue to challenge Pakistan’s control, the region’s future remains uncertain, with implications for India, Pakistan, and the broader South Asian security landscape. Bakshi’s call to action, while provocative, underscores the need for India to remain vigilant and prepared for any escalation.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation evolves.
