Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.
Protecting AJK’s democratic freedoms
I urge the Azad Jammu & Kashmir Government to reconsider the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance, 2024, promulgated on October 29, 2024, by the President of AJK. This ordinance should be withdrawn immediately, as it undermines democratic principles, fundamental rights, and AJK’s credibility, jeopardizing its alignment with constitutional and international commitments.
Strategic advantage: Upholding these rights will reinforce AJK’s position as a model of democratic governance in the Kashmir context, bolstering its credibility on international platforms advocating for the right to self-determination.
Alignment with the right to self-determination: The curtailment of the right to assembly and protest undermines the principles enshrined in the right to self-determination, as emphasized by UNCIP Resolutions and the UN Template on Kashmir. Ensuring freedoms of expression, assembly and association strengthens the legitimacy of AJK as a representative entity of the Kashmiri people’s aspirations.
Commitment to international standards: As AJK claims alignment with UN resolutions, it must uphold fundamental rights recognized internationally. The suppression of protests damages the image of AJK as a democratic and rights-based polity, potentially weakening its stance in the broader Kashmir dispute.
Karachi agreement (1949): While delegating certain responsibilities to Pakistan, the Karachi Agreement emphasizes AJK’s internal autonomy. Curtailing basic freedoms within AJK contradicts this spirit of governance and undermines local authority.
AJK Interim Constitution Act (1974): The Act guarantees fundamental rights, including the right to assembly and protest. Promulgating ordinances to limit these rights violates AJK’s own constitutional framework and risks creating a precedent for authoritarian governance. This approach underscores AJK’s responsibility to lead by example, reflecting its commitment to justice, democracy, and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
SYED NAZIR GILLANI
UK
Unite for KP
An all-parties conference was recently held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) by Governor Faisal Kareem Kundi to address the rising terrorism in the province and the tragic Kurram incident, which claimed many lives. It is crucial to focus on these pressing issues. Governor Kundi adopted a collaborative approach, inviting all political parties to join the dialogue. Unfortunately, the KP government declined to participate.
These matters demand equal attention and active participation from all stakeholders to address the growing unrest in the province. All parties must engage in dialogue to find mutual solutions. Why shouldn’t PTI, as a key political entity, participate in this conference? Political conflicts and egos should not take precedence in such a critical situation.
As the provincial government, PTI has a responsibility to set aside differences and work towards solutions that combat terrorism and extremism. The rising instability not only threatens KP’s future but also undermines its potential for tourism and endangers the lives of its citizens.
AREEBA ALTAF
Sindh
Cyber troops
The recent D-Chowk incident serves as a prime example of the destructive power of fake news. While it is essential to ensure the freedom of expression, this does not mean that the overwhelming tide of fake news should go unchecked. This pandemic can potentially shake the very foundation of society and the state. The PTI’s acumen in crafting misleading narratives is indeed alarming.
A senior PTI leader and renowned lawyer claimed that 278 workers have been killed at D Choke while other stalwarts tell different figures. It is a true manifestation of the quote: “A lie travels around the globe while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” PTI’s politics relies on fabricated and concocted messages which misled the youth. Hence facts have lost their value and self-created perceptions prevailed over reality. It completely disregards the importance of truth and instead focuses on appealing to emotions for political gain. Imran Khan himself has explained, “It is about playing mind games and I am the master of this mind game”.
The strategy has been to inflame public emotions by spreading a false narrative that marchers have been butchered in large numbers at D-Chowk. The post-truth narrative requires no corroboration or evidence. PTI has seemed to form a “Cyber Troops” and hired skilled professionals for spreading their baseless propaganda to create unrest and instability in the country which is impeding the pace of economic development. It is a crucial time for the country, all stakeholders should sit together and collaborate for the stability, security and prosperity of the people.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
