Barrister Nawab Babar Khan
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (JAAC) protests are a matter of concern. Members of the public are entitled in all democracies to protest peacefully and hold rallies in designated areas. The fundamental right of freedom of expression is a universal one that exists in all freedom loving countries.
It is the duty of every state to allow peaceful protest.However, the situation changes where, in a protest, violence and loss of life takes place. Furthermore, if a protest becomes violent, then reasonable steps need to be taken to solve the situation as soon as possible. In delicate situations, the state must not be heavy-handed. The state ought to take a diplomatic approach to resolve the situation.
In any protest, many conflicting groups may join with positive and/or negative views. Sometimes, the original set of issues concerning a protest are different as regards other issues that arise during a protest. However, sometimes, one issue creates many issues that become detrimental to a region in which a protest takes place. The whole picture needs to be taken into account. Firstly, the issues of contention need to be identified and established with clarity. Secondly, issues need to be addressed with pragmatism, and thirdly, the resolve has to be practical and possible. As far as constitutional matters are concerned, they can only be addressed through parliament.
As far as such matters are concerned, they can only be resolved through fair, sensible, realistic, pragmatic, and practical solutions. The art of a deal is to give and take in negotiations so as to reach a fair and balanced settlement. It must be established as to how far realistic concessions can be made. All parties concerned must establish confidence building measures. Due to a loss of life, different accounts of incidents may arise, and different narratives may be presented. In such circumstances, these matters can be resolved through impartial brokers or a judicial commission.
At the end of the day, the law must be adhered to by all parties concerned. The rule of law needs to be followed by all citizens of a state in every capacity, official or otherwise, for a state to function in a true democratic sense.Finally, at the end of the day, the matter can only be concluded through negotiations.
Negotiations are the best way forward for all parties concerned. The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has a duty to negotiate and settle this matter without further loss of life. The sanctity of life must be respected, and no set of issues are more pertinent than inter alia the life of an individual, peace and tranquillity which people deserve and the economic well-being of people.
