“By Omay Aimen”
The recent events in Azad Kashmir have raised number of questions and resulted into sending shock waves across the country. By no means, these disturbing events augured well for the image of the country in multiple domains. Unabated acts of violence exposed the extremist tendencies in our society for which both protesters as well as Law Enforcement Agencies cannot be absolved. It is crucial to check these growing tendencies as violence is not a solution to an issue rather it further exacerbates the issue. Killing of three protesters and a police officer were gory images originating from an otherwise serene and scenic vally of Kashmir.
The violent protests caused a considerable dent to the image of the country as a whole. India exploited these events to optimum in portraying disturbing picture of Kashmir. Their sinister media which is otherwise on the look out to find an opportunity to tarnish image of Pakistan branded these events an exploitation of rights of Kashmiris. Pakistan attaches an immense affection with the people of Kashmir residing both sides of Line of Control and this bond is reciprocated with equal affinity and respect. It was the violent nature of few myopic elements which provided an opportunity to India to equate these events to IIOJ&K which is confronted with massive human rights violations by Indian occupation forces. India’s ridiculous attempt to portray these protests was an absurd effort devoid of facts on ground.
Despite irrational demands of protesters (later conceded), government of AJK and govt of Pakistan resorted to a logical and pragmatic approach to handle violent mobs. The Prime Minister of Pakistan announced a relief package worth Rs. 23 Bn for AJK. A substantial decrease in the prices flour from Rs. 3100 to Rs. 2000/ 40 Kgs is a major relief extended to the people of AJK. Similarly, electricity prices have also been reduced substantially and in accordance with the demand of people. In line with people’s demand, a Judicial Commission is also being set up to review perks of high-ranking officials. These measures of government have resulted into calling of agitation by protesters. The life in AJK has returned to normal leaving few lessons to be learnt.
The mainstream political leadership of AJk was found absent from the scene which raises serious question as protesters were left to the whims of local leaders belonging to different parts of AJK. These leaders supported by their respective factions could not reach to a consensus solution which delayed the settlement of the issue. Seasoned politicians like Sardar Atiq ur Rehman, Raja Farooq Haider etc could have played a more positive and effective role instead of leaving protesters at the mercy of their local leaders. The absence of leading political leaders is meaningful and leaves a question mark on their role in addressing critical issues of local populace.
The use of force by protesters was a disturbing factor which resonated extremist tendencies in our society. This was a repeat of 9th May vandalism which goes unchecked till now. Use of force remains the prerogative of State and at the same time state extends all out efforts to find an amicable solution in line with interest of contesting parties. Violence is, by no means, an expected norm and it cannot be justified at any pretext. The writ of the state is supreme and while enforcement of this, basic right to a peaceful protest is to be respected too. It is imperative to understand that such events are prone to exploitation by 5th Columnist to meet their heinous agenda of creating rifts between State and its people.
Another concerning aspect of this episode was role of our media which failed to exercise its editorial check in highlighting vociferous images intensifying the commotion between LEAs and protestors. Occasional irresponsible reporting created concerns across the country and foreign hostile media exploited these images in their favour. The country is passing through a critical juncture where we are looking forward to FDIs. Such events are crucial for our pursuits in reviving our depleted economy. We cannot afford to generate a negative impression when IMF team is busy in concluding its package and is sceptic on internal instability.
These unfortunate events, by no means, can be considered a divisive factor for Pakistan’s resolve to extend comfort to Kashmiri people. Pakistan’s unflinching dedication to Kashmiri cause can never be deterred with these happenings and any effort to create a rift in the bond will meet an utter failure. It is imperative to learn lessons from these events and take appropriate measures to obviate chances of repetition of such disturbing events providing fodder to anti Pakistan elements.
–The author is an independent researcher who writes on issues concerning national and regional security, focusing on matters having critical impact in these milieus. She can be reached at omayaimen333@gmail.com
