Naveed Ahmad Khan
For more than two weeks, the strike led by the Action Committee in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) has continued, affecting the daily lives of ordinary citizens. While governments have a responsibility to maintain law and order, they also have an obligation to ensure that essential goods—including food, medicines, and infant formula—reach the people without interruption. Reports and public observations have indicated that trucks carrying these essential supplies have been stopped or delayed at various locations, creating hardships for families, patients, and children. Regardless of the political situation, access to basic necessities should never become a casualty of political disputes.
It is important to recognize that not every resident of Azad Jammu & Kashmir is a member or supporter of the Action Committee. Ordinary citizens should not be made to suffer because of disagreements between the government and political groups. The protection of public welfare must remain the government’s highest priority.
Although several demands of the Action Committee have reportedly been accepted, one of its most significant concerns remains unresolved: the 12 reserved refugee seats in the Azad Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Critics argue that these seats have, at different times, influenced changes in government through party defections by elected representatives. Such developments have raised questions about democratic accountability and public trust in the political system.
If the government and state institutions believe that abolishing these reserved seats is not a practical option, they should instead introduce meaningful legal reforms. A reasonable solution would be to pass legislation requiring any representative elected on one of these seats to resign before changing political parties. Only after resigning should they be free to join another party and seek public support again. Such a reform would strengthen democratic values, discourage political opportunism, and increase public confidence in elected institutions.
Another development that deserves attention is the reaction of the overseas Kashmiri community. For decades, overseas Kashmiris, particularly in the United Kingdom, have organized demonstrations outside the Indian High Commission to express their views on the Kashmir issue. However, according to participants and observers, this is the first time in approximately 75 years that overseas Kashmiris have protested outside the Pakistani High Commission. This development reflects the depth of frustration felt by some members of the diaspora regarding the current situation. It also highlights the importance of addressing public concerns through meaningful engagement and dialogue.
History demonstrates that prolonged political crises can create instability and provide opportunities for external actors to exploit internal divisions. For this reason, all stakeholders should learn from past experiences and work to resolve disputes peacefully through constitutional and democratic means rather than allowing tensions to escalate.
The current situation requires wisdom, patience, and responsible leadership from all sides. Constructive dialogue, democratic reforms, and respect for the welfare of ordinary citizens offer the best path toward a lasting solution. A peaceful resolution based on mutual understanding will not only strengthen democratic institutions but also restore public confidence and protect the interests of the people of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
The writer is a Editor of Daily The Spokesman, Editor, Daily IMROZE,Founder President: Tourism Association of Pakistan, Convener FPCCIstanding committee on Heritage & Hospitality. He can be reached at [email protected]
