The anti-government protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) entered their 24th day as more than 80,000 people gathered at the Eidgah grounds in Rawalakot. During the protests, Sardar Aman Khan, leader of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), made a major claim about Pakistan's role in the Kashmir conflict.

Addressing the large crowd, Khan alleged that the Pakistan Army itself supplied weapons to Kashmiris in the past. He claimed that the military sent guns and ammunition into Jammu and Kashmir. While speaking at the rally, he said, "It was the Pakistan Army itself that handed guns to Kashmiris. And today, they have the audacity to call us terrorists."

Khan used the statement to question Pakistan's stand on militancy in the region. His remarks received loud applause from the thousands of protesters present at the venue.

During his speech, Khan also referred to an event organised by Jaish-e-Mohammed in February last year. He said armed participants took part in a public rally in Rawalakot while carrying weapons such as AK-47 rifles and swords. According to him, the local administration not only allowed the event but also provided security for it.

Targeting the district administration, Khan said, "Deputy Commissioner Rawalkot, you used to organise rallies here with guns and swords. Do you remember? And you will call us terrorists. All these people (protesters) are heirs of this land." His remarks again drew strong support from the gathering.

Khan also issued a warning to the Pakistani government over the demands raised by the protest movement. He said the movement had placed 38 demands before the authorities. He stated that if the government failed to accept and implement them, the agitation would move beyond those demands. He warned that the campaign would then focus on seeking the complete withdrawal of Pakistan from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The ongoing protests have continued to grow in strength over the past several weeks. Demonstrators have repeatedly criticised Islamabad's policies in the region and demanded greater political and administrative rights. The movement has emerged as one of the largest public protests witnessed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in recent times.

Two days before the latest gathering, protesters in Rawalakot openly challenged Islamabad's control over the region. Speakers at the demonstration claimed that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir should no longer remain under Pakistan's control. They also warned that they could seek stronger engagement with India if their concerns continued to remain unaddressed.

In another strong statement during his address, Khan said that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was not a part of Pakistan. He further claimed that Pakistan needed the region more than the people living there. His remarks reflected the growing anger among sections of the protesters against the Pakistani establishment.

The protest movement has also gained support outside Pakistan. Demonstrations in support of the movement have taken place in several countries. Supporters living abroad have organised protests outside Pakistani diplomatic missions to express solidarity with those participating in the agitation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The latest developments indicate that the protests continue to gather momentum. The large turnout in Rawalakot and the sharp statements made by the JAAC leadership have increased pressure on the Pakistani government. The movement now appears to be entering a more aggressive phase as its leaders continue to raise political demands and challenge Islamabad's control over the region.