Newly elected AJK Prime Minister Barrister Iftikhar Gillani has made a welcome start by expressing his resolve to address the disruptions that have affected daily life across the region, including restoration of Internet services and reopening of road links with Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The suspension of Internet and road links has imposed a heavy cost on people of AJK. Students have been deprived of essential educational activities, businesses have suffered losses and restrictions on movement have added to difficulties of ordinary citizens. These are basic services that cannot remain suspended for prolonged periods. The government’s assurances are therefore encouraging and these should now be implemented without delay. Of particular importance is situation in Rawalakot. AJK government should engage directly with protesters and make every possible effort to find common ground. The protesters, too, should take positive remarks by newly elected prime minister in the right spirit and respond constructively. Protests are a legitimate means of expressing public concerns yet prolonged disruption serves neither the protesters nor wider population. The situation cannot be allowed to linger indefinitely and responsibility for ending the impasse rests with both sides. Government must demonstrate political maturity, patience and flexibility while protesters must also show restraint and allow normal life to return. Neither side should allow differences to deepen the divisions. New AJK government has an opportunity to turn a difficult situation into a moment of reconciliation.
