In view of the rebellion on the streets of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), the government of Islamabad has come on the back foot. The government has decided to hold talks to pacify the PoK protesters. Speaking in the National Assembly, ruling party Pakistan Peoples Party chief Bilawal Bhutto said that we are ready to talk. We have accepted 80 percent of the demands of the agitators. We will resolve the remaining 20 percent issue through talks.
Apart from Bilawal Bhutto, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been put forward to talk to the protesters. Nawaz Sharif has called upon the agitators to return to the path of talks. All this is happening when a few days ago 150 agitators were declared terrorists by the Government of Pakistan.
Why did Pakistan government come on back foot?
1. Local people took to the streets
The Government of Pakistan initially termed this issue as a People’s Action Committee issue. The government tried to suppress the issue by banning the committee, but the issue created anger at the local level. Despite all efforts, people did not open markets and shops.
There is complete lockdown in PoK. Lakhs of people are protesting against the government’s decision. Due to this, the Government of Pakistan has gone on the back foot on the issue of Kashmir.
2. Despite the ban on the organization, the ruckus continues
In view of the protests in PoK, the Government of Pakistan announced a ban on the People’s Action Committee (JAAC) on charges of spreading terrorism. Also announced reward against 4 top leaders of the organization. Despite this, the organization’s protests continue.
Shops are closed from Rawalkot to Muzaffarabad. People are protesting against the government on the streets. According to news agency Reuters, so far 24 people have died in PoK due to protests. Four policemen have also been killed.
Pakistan Army has been deployed in Rawalakot to control the protests. Internet has also been banned. Despite this, people are on the streets. Police say that so far 555 people have been arrested on charges of violence.
Date for filing nomination extended
The Election Commission has extended the date for filing nominations in PoK. Earlier nominations could be filed only till June 19, but now it has been extended to June 23. Voting will be held for 45 seats of PoK on 27th July.
Leave a Reply