The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and the Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz-i-Aaeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) on Saturday strongly criticized the decision by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government to declare the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a proscribed organization. Both parties urged authorities to resolve political disputes through dialogue and constitutional means rather than coercive measures.
PTI Expresses Concern
In a statement issued by PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram on his X account, the party expressed deep concern over the AJK government's decision and the violence reported in Rawalakot, which allegedly resulted in one death and several injuries. PTI emphasized that political, social, and constitutional grievances must be addressed through democratic engagement, meaningful dialogue, and constitutional means, not through bans, coercion, or the use of force.
The party questioned why the government engaged with JAAC for months, signing agreements and implementing demands, only to suddenly declare it a terrorist organization. PTI argued that if JAAC were truly a terrorist group, the government would not have treated it as a legitimate stakeholder until recently.
PTI also noted that the strike call by JAAC followed an alleged violation of an agreement between the government and the committee. The party described JAAC as a coalition of various political parties and civil society groups formed in response to poor governance.
Parallels with PTI's Own Experience
Drawing parallels with its own treatment, PTI stated that the decision reflects a broader pattern of suppressing political dissent. The party warned that unrest in AJK could undermine Pakistan's position on the Kashmir issue, as India may exploit internal strife for propaganda.
PTI demanded the restoration of communication services, protection of peaceful assembly, avoidance of collective punishment, and initiation of dialogue with all stakeholders. The party concluded that history proves force does not produce lasting political solutions.
TTAP Condemns Ban
Separately, TTAP, an alliance of opposition parties, condemned the designation of JAAC as a terrorist organization. The alliance argued that associating a public and political rights movement with terrorism is contrary to facts and democratic principles.
TTAP accused the AJK government and federal authorities of relying on force and coercion instead of political engagement. The alliance demanded the immediate withdrawal of the ban and the initiation of broad, meaningful negotiations involving political parties, civil society, traders, lawyers, and other stakeholders.
The alliance warned that criminalizing political dissent and branding public movements as terrorism is detrimental to democracy, national unity, and Pakistan's stance on Kashmir.
Reactions from Political Figures
Former senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed described the move as a wrong decision at the wrong time, repeating past mistakes of mishandling dissent. Former senator Afrasiab Khattak called the ban a gross violation of fundamental rights under the Constitution, arguing that banning a non-violent voice under anti-terror laws is unacceptable.
Ammar Ali Jan, leader of the Haqooq-i-Khalq Party, criticized the decision, stating that repression during elections fuels resentment and instability. He urged reversing what he called a suicidal policy before it is too late.
