(Written By: Abdul Basit Alvi)
From a strategic perspective, AJK holds significant importance for Pakistan. Positioned at the nexus of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, AJK acts as a conduit for Pakistan to engage with these regions. Its adjacency to the Line of Control (LoC), demarcating AJK from the Indian Occupied Kashmir, underscores its strategic relevance in the context of the longstanding Kashmir conflict between Pakistan and India. Moreover, AJK boasts considerable water resources, including the rivers forming the Indus Basin. The waters originating from AJK are indispensable for Pakistan’s agricultural productivity, economic vitality, and overall water security. Thus, AJK’s geographical location and natural endowments bolster Pakistan’s strategic and economic interests.
Beyond strategic considerations, the cultural and historical affinities between AJK and Pakistan run deep. The denizens of AJK share linguistic, ethnic, and cultural bonds with various regions of Pakistan, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity. The cultural interchange between AJK and Pakistan enriches the societal tapestry of both entities, championing diversity and solidarity. Additionally, AJK occupies a significant place in Pakistan’s collective consciousness, embodying the struggle for self-determination and the quest for liberty. The sacrifices endured by the people of AJK in their pursuit of independence resonate profoundly with Pakistanis, reinforcing the bonds of fraternity and shared destiny.
Economically, AJK and Pakistan are mutually reliant. Pakistan extends vital economic support to AJK through financial aid, infrastructure enhancement, and trade avenues. Conversely, AJK contributes to Pakistan’s economy through its natural resources, potential for tourism, and human capital. The advancement of infrastructure ventures such as roads, dams, and energy initiatives in AJK not only benefits the local populace but also augments connectivity and economic integration between AJK and the broader Pakistani landscape. Furthermore, the promotion of tourism in AJK not only invigorates its economy but also showcases its natural allure and cultural heritage to a global audience.
Despite present challenges, AJK’s unwavering love for Pakistan remains unshakeable, serving as a wellspring of resilience and inspiration. As the region navigates the complexities of the Kashmir conflict, the enduring bond between AJK and Pakistan offers hope for a brighter future grounded in the principles of freedom, justice, and self-determination. Echoing the words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, who emphasized the importance of unity and discipline in preserving freedom, AJK continues to embody this spirit, igniting patriotism and reinforcing the ties that unite its people with Pakistan in the pursuit of a shared destiny.
Additionally, to the people of AJK, the Pakistan Army symbolizes not just a formidable defense force but also a source of national pride, sacrifice, and steadfast support in times of need. Whether offering crucial aid during natural calamities or safeguarding the region’s borders against external threats, the Pakistan Army earns admiration and gratitude from AJK’s populace for its selfless dedication and tireless service. Moreover, the Army’s contributions to socio-economic development and infrastructure projects in AJK deepen the bond of trust and camaraderie between soldiers and civilians alike.
Through initiatives spanning education, healthcare, and community development, the Pakistan Army has seamlessly woven itself into the social fabric of AJK, empowering local communities and bolstering their resilience in the face of adversity. The strong bond between AJK’s residents and the Pakistan Army is deeply ingrained in a shared ethos of sacrifice, bravery, and national cohesion. In many households across AJK, a proud legacy of military service persists, with successive generations heeding the call to defend their homeland and uphold the values of patriotism and bravery.
The sacrifices of the courageous men and women of the Pakistan Army resonate profoundly with the people of AJK, serving as a wellspring of inspiration and solidarity in their ongoing quest for freedom and dignity.
Despite the intricacies of the Kashmir conflict and the challenges of maintaining security in a volatile region, the Pakistan Army’s steadfast dedication to the welfare and prosperity of AJK’s populace remains resolute. Whether through humanitarian aid, counterterrorism endeavors, or peacekeeping missions, the Pakistan Army continues to play a pivotal role in preserving the stability of the region and nurturing an environment of peace and progress for all. In navigating the complexities of the Kashmir conflict toward a peaceful resolution, AJK receives steadfast support from the Pakistan Army, committed to securing the region’s future prosperity.
Recently, the people of Pakistan and AJK witnessed a prolonged protest led by the Awami Action Committee, culminating in both positive and negative outcomes. Tragically, there were casualties, yet amidst this, unity among the people of AJK and acknowledgment of their fundamental demands emerged.
Misinterpretations arose, wrongly portraying these protests as anti-Pakistan or anti-Pak Army, which is erroneous. In the serene landscapes and vibrant cities of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the voice of dissent and the quest for justice echoed as the Awami Action Committee (AAC) peacefully demonstrated, renewing the call for reform and accountability. Against a backdrop of ongoing challenges, the protest highlighted AJK’s resilience and resolve to assert their rights and amplify their concerns in governance. The AAC, representing a diverse coalition of voices, emerged as a catalyst for social and political change, advocating transparency, good governance, and meeting socio-economic needs.
Thousands gathered in Muzaffarabad, AJK’s capital, to raise awareness about pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation, and inadequate services, demanding reductions in electricity and flour prices, as well as curbing elite privileges. From young activists to seasoned campaigners, participants expressed frustration with the status quo and urged concrete action to address socio-economic disparities. Encouragingly, the Pakistani Government swiftly responded to the protests, approving funds to meet the demands, recognizing their legitimacy. This underscores Kashmir’s significance to Pakistan. Regrettably, the protests turned violent, resulting in loss of life among civilians and authorities.
It’s worth noting that it was the AJK government that called upon the Rangers, not at the behest of Pakistan, emphasizing the autonomous decision-making within AJK. It’s unfortunate that those who initially instigated the protests are now absent from the scene and distant from public view. On a positive note, the Pakistan Army exhibited remarkable restraint and refrained from intervening at any point, a policy that was also evident on May 9, enhancing its reputation among Kashmiris and emphasizing its neutrality.
It appears that the May 9 anarchist group is working against the peace efforts in Azad Kashmir. Despite the government’s acceptance of the Awami Action Committee’s demands and the issuance of notifications to reduce electricity and flour prices, as well as the decision to withdraw the Rangers, many believed that the Public Action Committee should have ended its protest to restore normalcy. However, instead of reciprocating these positive steps, nefarious elements opposed to peace in Azad Kashmir not only attacked the police and Rangers with stones but also set fire to their vehicles and injured numerous officials. Law enforcement agencies resorted to tear gas and aerial firing in self-defense, resulting in tragic loss of life. Even though the leaders of the Awami Action Committee repeatedly advocated for peaceful means, they failed to restrain this disruptive faction.
This May 9 anarchist mentality seeks to sow discord between law enforcement agencies and the public through violent actions. Addressing the actors, planners, and facilitators of the May 9 incident with due punishment could have curbed such elements. These disruptive elements serve as tools of the enemy, aiming to foment unrest in the otherwise peaceful region of Azad Kashmir. This series of deplorable incidents indicates that a handful of individuals, driven by malicious intentions, deliberately escalated the situation to hinder the establishment of a peaceful atmosphere in Azad Kashmir, creating chaos instead.
It’s evident that these individuals never truly cared about the protesters’ demands but exploited the Public Action Committee’s platform to further their own agenda. Local residents bear the brunt of this situation, while the enemy capitalizes on the chaos. It’s imperative to distance oneself from this protest to deny the enemy an opportunity to sow further chaos. The tourism sector has been severely impacted by the Awami Action Committee’s protests, greatly affecting local businesses as Azad Kashmir’s hotels and tourist spots remain deserted. These decisions have dealt a severe blow to the local tourism industry, and the people look to the Public Action Committee and the government for solutions to improve the situation.
Collective protests often attract a mix of individuals with varying intentions. While some remain aligned with the protest’s core objectives, others seek to exploit the situation for personal gain, spreading negativity. This dichotomy was evident in these protests, with few elements advocated anti-Pakistan sentiments and even endorsed independence. However, it’s important to clarify that these voices do not represent the majority of Kashmiris. Investigating external influences seeking to incite violence in protests and manipulate public sentiment against Pakistan and its armed forces is crucial. Another aspect to consider is that although the protest for these demands began approximately a year ago, why wasn’t it effectively managed beforehand to prevent escalation upon reaching the capital city of AJK? Who should be held accountable for this oversight? An inquiry into this negligence is warranted.
Furthermore, there needs to be an investigation into why, despite the Prime Minister of Pakistan and other stakeholders approving the protesters’ demands, the local administration failed to promptly communicate these developments to the protesters. Additionally, why did local management fail to address these issues before they reached a critical point and turned violent? While the incident and its tragic consequences have passed, fundamental questions remain unanswered, necessitating resolution to prevent similar issues, violence, and bloodshed in the future.
It was noticed that certain elements persistently engaged in spreading false propaganda against Pakistan and its armed forces, particularly on social media platforms, both prior to and during the protests. Some elements have also made unsuccessful attempts to steer this protest towards advocating for an Independent Kashmir, a direction that does not reflect the desires of the majority of the people of AJK.
However, the protests in AJK were primarily centered around addressing local grievances and were not directed against the nation or its military. It is crucial to initiate an investigation into these activities to pinpoint the individuals or groups responsible for such malicious intentions. Additionally, there is a need to explore the possibility of involvement by foreign entities and adversaries. In today’s interconnected world, misinformation and propaganda are pervasive, often employed to tarnish the reputation and credibility of nations and their military forces. Propaganda, characterized by biased or deceptive information aimed at manipulating public perception, poses a significant threat to societal stability and cohesion. Whether disseminated through traditional media channels, social platforms, or other avenues, propaganda can foster discord, breed distrust, and fuel division among citizens.
The strong sentiment echoed by the populace of Pakistan and AJK is that of unity and genuine affection. Kashmir’s fate is undeniably linked with Pakistan. Efforts to instigate animosity between Kashmiris, Pakistan, and the Pakistani military are disconnected from the actual situation and misdirected.
Indeed, the people of AJK express gratitude towards Pakistan, the Prime Minister, and the Army Chief for promptly addressing the protesters’ demands and allocating funds. The ill intentions of our adversaries will not succeed. All segments of Pakistani society are united in their patriotism for the nation and its armed forces.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.