1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
PoliticsPakistan

Why does unrest keep flaring up in Pakistani Kashmir?

04:20

This browser does not support the video element.

Karl Sexton | Faiza Gillani
June 16, 2026

The latest wave of deadly protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir was triggered by a court ruling over seats reserved for refugees in the region's parliament. But the protesters' anger runs much deeper.

A recent court ruling upholding a law that reserves 12 seats in Pakistan-administered Kashmir's parliament for refugees was the spark for the latest wave of deadly protests. 

At least 11 civilians and four members of the security forces died in the latest unrest.

But the protesters' anger is about more than just seats in parliament, revealing deep-seated anger at economic and political issues in the semi-autonomous region.

India and Pakistan each control parts of the Kashmir region, but both claim it in its entirety.

Pakistan-administered Kashmir is semi-autonomous: The region has its own prime minister and legislative assembly, but higher authority lies with the national government in Islamabad.

Karl Sexton Writer and editor focused on international current affairs
Skip next section DW's Top Story

DW's Top Story

Skip next section More stories from DW

More stories from DW