Key Takeaways
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Home Secretary Chaudhry Guftar Hussain denounces coordinated campaigns by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
- The home secretary accuses JAAC of using women and children as 'human shields' and disrupting peace in AJK.
- Hussain vows to maintain law and order, warning that those who challenge state institutions will face severe consequences.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Home Secretary Chaudhry Guftar Hussain has condemned the activities of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), stating that they have carried out coordinated campaigns using 'baseless claims and propaganda' to incite people against the state. During a press conference on Wednesday, Hussain highlighted that the banned organisation had resorted to unethical tactics such as using women and children as 'human shields', which he described as violating 'Kashmiri values'.
The home secretary elaborated that these actions were not only aimed at distracting students from their education but also at damaging Pakistan's relationship with AJK. He stated, 'Distracting students from their education means playing with their futures.' Furthermore, Hussain accused the JAAC of promoting anti-state narratives and antagonising people against the Pakistan Army, which he said was an attempt to disrupt the region’s peace and law and order.
In a statement, Hussain also mentioned that the general elections in AJK would proceed as planned on July 27. He appreciated political parties for their ongoing campaigns in Poonch division, similar to their activities elsewhere in the state. However, he warned that provocative actions initiated by JAAC were always aimed at challenging state institutions, even when the outfit blamed them.
The home secretary’s comments came after Tuesday's clashes in Poonch division turned deadly, with two law enforcers martyred and seven activists of the JAAC losing their lives. Hussain stated, 'Attempts to tarnish the Pakistan and AJK relationship will remain unsuccessful.' He added that the JAAC involved the Pakistan Army in its statements, which he characterised as 'raising serious questions about its goals and involvement with anti-state forces'.
Irfan Masood Kashfi, the spokesperson of the AJK police, also spoke at the press conference. He said that security officials' primary goal was to protect lives and property. Kashfi mentioned Tuesday's clashes in Poonch division, which occurred after police tried to clear blockades. He added that a road in Shujaabad Kotera area had been cleared on Wednesday morning, and vowed that operations would continue until all roads were restored.
Hussain further warned that the government would treat 'blackmailers' with an 'iron hand', referring to those who challenge state institutions. He reiterated that the general elections would proceed as planned despite ongoing tensions in the region. The home secretary’s statements reflect a firm stance against the JAAC and its activities, emphasizing the need for maintaining peace, law and order, and citizens’ safety.
In related news, the European Union has proposed placing strict limits on children's access to social media, with plans to ban under-13s entirely. This move comes as part of a broader effort by several countries to address online harms affecting young people. However, such measures may face challenges in enforcement and implementation.
Distracting students from their education means playing with their futures.
Chaudhry Guftar Hussain, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Home Secretary
Attempts to tarnish the Pakistan and AJK relationship will remain unsuccessful.
Chaudhry Guftar Hussain, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Home Secretary
