MUZAFFARABAD: The Joint Awami Action Committee in Azad Kashmir has announced a strike and long march scheduled for June 9, alongside ongoing negotiations with the government.
Despite what officials describe as serious efforts by the government during negotiations, the Action Committee has maintained its hardline stance and opted to continue with its protest plan.
Questions have been raised over whether the protest campaign is an attempt to pressure the government or whether it reflects a broader form of disruptive politics under the pretext of resolving public issues. Authorities have stated that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, blocking roads and paralysing public life cannot be allowed.
Political leadership and opposition parties in Azad Kashmir are said to be united against protest-based politics. The approval of the All Parties Conference declaration by the Azad Kashmir Assembly has been described as a clear expression of democratic consensus.
Officials have warned that any attempt to disrupt peace and order through rigid or uncompromising behaviour will be dealt with according to the law.
It has also been stated that the planned disruption of the electoral process on June 9 would not serve the public interest, but would instead amount to an attempt to undermine democratic procedures. Citizens are being encouraged to place their trust in the ballot, dialogue, and constitutional processes rather than road blockades, strikes, or pressure-based politics.
The Azad Kashmir government has said that it has not closed the door to dialogue, but the Action Committee has instead chosen confrontation over negotiations.
Meanwhile, Azad Kashmir Assembly member Abdul Majeed Khan, speaking to ARY News, said that movements based on disruptive thinking would benefit external adversaries. He added that Pakistan is currently being recognised globally for its role as a promoter of peace and mediation, and it would not be acceptable to create a “state within a state” and provide opportunities to enemies. He expressed confidence that the people of Azad Kashmir are well aware and will not be misled.
