Ali Anwar
Azad Jammu and Kashmir has long stood as a symbol of peace, sacrifice, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to the Kashmir freedom movement. Throughout history, its people have demonstrated through their resilience, sacrifices, and steadfastness that the Kashmir issue is not merely a political dispute but also a national, historical, and humanitarian cause. For this reason, Azad Kashmir has consistently been regarded as the base camp of the Kashmir freedom movement. However, over the past several months, the political environment in Azad Kashmir has witnessed incidents and tensions that have affected not only internal peace but have also raised questions about the broader Kashmir cause. Peaceful protest is a recognised democratic right in any society, but when demonstrations lead to violence, intimidation, fear, and the disruption of public life, the consequences are borne by society as a whole.
In the past, the government and certain other circles made several serious allegations against the Joint Awami Action Committee operating in Azad Kashmir, claims that have now been proven. The organisation was banned during certain periods, and some of its activities were declared a threat to public order. On the other hand, the organisation consistently rejected these allegations. In such circumstances, it is essential that all matters be examined in light of the law, evidence, and constitutional procedures.
According to the government’s position, it adopted dialogue to address public concerns and implemented 36 of the 38 demands presented by the Action Committee. Accepting 36 out of 38 demands indicates that the government was willing to resolve the issues. The remaining matters could also have been addressed more effectively and permanently through constitutional and legal means. Regarding the issue of the 12 reserved seats in particular, the government’s position is that a constitutional and legal solution already existed. However, street protests and pressure tactics particularly violence were given preference. Furthermore, Umar Nazir Kashmiri saying that protests would continue even if the issue of the 12 seats were resolved, raises the question of whether the protests were truly limited to a single demand or whether broader objectives were involved.
The true strength of any movement lies in its moral legitimacy. Peaceful protests generally earn public support, but when allegations of violence, intimidation, or the use of force become associated with them, that moral standing is weakened.
On June 7, armed groups linked to the Joint Action Committee attacked the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalakot. On July 5, 20 to 25 masked individuals associated with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee subjected Sardar Nasir Arbab, Secretary General of the Traders Association, and his cousin Hussam to six hours of severe violence. Additionally, on the morning of July 14, armed groups linked to the banned committee opened unprovoked fire on a civilian area near the Matiyal Mehra Bus Terminal in Rawalakot.
Azad Kashmir’s economy depends heavily on trade, agriculture, and particularly tourism. Frequent strikes, market closures, blocked highways, and restrictions on movement primarily affect ordinary citizens. Daily wage earners, small shopkeepers, transport operators, hotel owners, tour guides, and local businesses are among the first to suffer. Tourism is the backbone of Azad Kashmir’s economy. Visitors from around the world come to experience the region’s natural beauty. However, if instability, road closures, and uncertainty create a negative impression, tourists are likely to choose alternative destinations. This affects the livelihoods of thousands of families, discourages investment, and slows economic activity. Likewise, road blockages can prevent patients, ambulances, students, and elderly people from reaching their destinations on time, turning the situation into a humanitarian concern.
Protecting human life and ensuring access to essential services should be the highest priority during any protest. Repeated strikes, forced business closures, and prolonged highway blockades by protesters and armed groups associated with what it describes as the “so-called movement” have made life extremely difficult for ordinary citizens and pushed the region’s economy toward severe decline. The Kashmir issue is not solely the concern of the people of Azad Kashmir but a shared cause for all Pakistanis and the global Kashmiri diaspora. For decades, overseas Kashmiris have raised the issue of the right to self-determination for the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir before the United Nations, the European Parliament, the British Parliament, and other international forums.
If internal political disagreements are presented in a way that creates a negative image of the state or weakens the Kashmir cause, it may benefit those forces that have long sought to undermine the issue internationally. It therefore stresses the need to balance political differences with national interests. Banned Joint Awami Action Committee does not serve the interests of either Pakistan or the Kashmiri people, but instead seeks to spread unrest under the influence of foreign patrons in pursuit of its own objectives. The overseas Kashmiri community remains deeply emotionally connected to its homeland. For this reason, one should emphasise the importance of providing them with accurate, balanced, and verified information so they are not misled by misinformation or one-sided narratives. While differences of opinion are a hallmark of democratic societies, the accuracy of information is equally important. Political activity, protests, and dissent are democratic rights in Azad Kashmir, but these rights also carry constitutional responsibilities. If any individual or group takes the law into its own hands, legal action should be taken in accordance with the law. Similarly, anyone facing unfounded allegations should also receive fair legal protection. It is the state’s responsibility to maintain law and order, protect the lives and property of citizens, and keep the door open for dialogue. At the same time, protesters have a responsibility to ensure that their struggle remains entirely peaceful and within constitutional and democratic limits so as to maintain public trust. When protesters resort to killing and violence, their actions cease to be a protest and become terrorism
Azad Kashmir needs most today is not division but unity, tolerance, constitutional governance, and responsible political conduct. The Kashmir cause is a national issue that unites the entire nation, and preserving that unity is the shared responsibility of every political party, social organisation, and citizen. Political disagreements may be temporary, but the national interest and the Kashmir freedom movement have lasting importance. If internal disputes reach a point where state institutions, public life, the economy, and the Kashmir cause itself are harmed, then any organisation whose actions contribute to such outcomes should reconsider its conduct. The progress, prosperity, and stability of Azad Kashmir are only possible when the rule of law, political tolerance, constitutional processes, and the public interest take precedence over personal or partisan interests. While every citizen has the right to seek their rights, only a struggle conducted within the framework of the Constitution, the law, peace, and the public interest can achieve lasting and dignified success. This is the path that best serves the people of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and the Kashmir freedom movement.
The writer is an old Aitchisonian who believes in freedom of expression, a freelance columnist, entrepreneur and social activist.
