Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
After a deadly crackdown in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) to suppress protests over soaring inflation, high electricity tariffs, economic neglect and a disputed regional election process, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered talks to address the region’s grievances. Sharif said grievances should be addressed through discussions rather than confrontation. He also indicated that the government would remain open to talks with the banned Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has led protests in the region for more than two months.
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“If there are any issues, they should be resolved by sitting at the table and through dialogue,” Sharif said.
This is an unusual shift in Pakistan’s approach towards the protesters. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which is set to form the government in POK after the ongoing elections, has recently signalled a willingness to engage with the JAAC.
Sharif also expressed hope that the dialogue process would continue under the incoming government.
“Even today, I believe that when the new government comes into power, the process of continuing dialogue with protestors will move forward,” he said.
SHARIF WARNS AGAINST ANARCHY
While offering talks, Sharif drew a clear distinction between peaceful protesters and those he accused of trying to destabilise the region.
“Those who are bent on creating trouble and spreading anarchy there will not be allowed to do so,” the Pakistan prime minister said. He said the government would take a different approach towards people who are prepared to raise their concerns peacefully and engage in discussions.
“However, for those who want to discuss issues with peace, patience, and tolerance, the new government will provide them with this opportunity,” he said.
The remarks were made at a sensitive time for PoK, where months of protests have been followed by a security crackdown and allegations of violence. According to several reports, 80 people have been killed since the protests began in June.
The JAAC has drawn support from different sections of society, including students, traders, transporters, lawyers and social workers. The regional government banned the group in June. Its protests have focused on several demands, including the abolition of 12 contentious refugee seats in the PoK assembly. The committee alleges that these seats give the establishment a way to influence the formation of the regional government.
PML-N CALLS PROTESTERS ‘PATRIOTS’
Sharif’s comments follow similar remarks from his close aide and adviser Rana Sanaullah, who recently adopted a conciliatory tone towards the protesters. Sanaullah said 99 per cent of JAAC members were “patriotic” people. He also said PML-N representatives would meet members of the group.
“Ninety-nine per cent of those associated with the Joint Awami Action Committee are our patriotic brothers,” Sanaullah said at a rally on Saturday.
He added that the incoming PML-N government would engage with the protesters after taking charge.
“When the PML(N) government will be formed with two-third majority, it will sit with (Joint Awami) Action Committee representatives. Their first task will be to resolve this issue.”
Pakistan’s authorities had earlier alleged that members of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan were among the protesters, a claim that was used to justify a tougher response. The allegations were used to justify the security crackdown, according to reports.
VIOLENCE ESCALATES DURING ELECTIONS
The unrest has intensified alongside the three-phase elections in POK, which have been marked by allegations of rigging, ballot looting, clashes between protesters and security forces, and calls for an election. The first two phases were held on July 27 and August 3, with the PML-N emerging as the dominant force. The party has won 25 of the 45 elected seats, according to available results.
The third and final phase was scheduled to cover four seats on Monday. Polling in seven other constituencies has been postponed indefinitely.
The elections have unfolded against a backdrop of allegations of violence and electoral irregularities. The JAAC has alleged that more than 40 people, including women and children, were killed after the elections began.
The group has also claimed that around 400 protesters have been killed since the first week of June. Pakistan’s government has rejected those figures. Authorities have denied reports of civilian deaths and described the JAAC’s numbers as “overly exaggerated”.
Human rights groups have raised concerns over the situation.
Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan have called for investigations into reports of violence and urged authorities to protect protesters. The United Nations also expressed concern on August 7 over the security situation in POK. It stressed the need for accountability over actions against people involved in peaceful protests.
India, meanwhile, maintains that the entire POK is integral and inalienable parts of the country. New Delhi has repeatedly said that Pakistan is in “illegal and forcible occupation” of parts of these territories.
– Ends
With inputs form agencies
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
