By Sheikh J Hussain
Londonjawadkhayal@icould.com
The situation unfolding in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in recent weeks demands careful examination, for behind the visible protests and political posturing lies a deeper narrative that many mainstream accounts often overlook. What is being presented as a spontaneous uprising rooted in local grievances carries clear hallmarks of external influence, with evidence suggesting that foreign agencies operating from across the Line of Control are actively working to engineer unrest in the region.
This is not merely a domestic dispute over prices or representation; rather, it appears to be part of a long-standing strategy to destabilize the area, undermine its administrative structure, and cast a shadow over the legitimate efforts of the Government of Pakistan and the Azad Kashmir administration to maintain peace and progress.To understand how this situation began, one must look beyond the immediate triggers.As per the ex- prime minister of Azad Kashmir Farooq Haider, India has pursued a well-documented agenda aimed at changing the demographic and political character of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly since its unilateral actions in August 2019.
Having stripped the region of its special status and imposed strict control over its population, India now seeks to project a false image of normalcy while simultaneously attempting to export unrest to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Through its intelligence networks and proxies, it has sought to exploit any minor discontent that naturally exists in any developing society, amplifying it through coordinated campaigns to turn legitimate concerns into violent confrontation. The emergence of groups such as the so-called Joint Awami Action Committee must be viewed through this lens.
While it claims to represent the interests of traders, lawyers, and ordinary citizens, its sudden rise, its confrontational approach, and the way its message has been rapidly spread across social media raise serious questions about its true backing. It is increasingly evident that this body is being used as a tool to advance a foreign agenda, rather than to seek constructive solutions to local issues. This is precisely why the authorities have found it necessary to take action against it; allowing such an entity to operate freely would be tantamount to allowing foreign powers to dictate the political direction of Azad Kashmir.A central point of contention raised in recent debates relates to the twelve reserved seats in the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly, a matter that has been deliberately distorted to mislead both local populations and the international community.
Critics have attempted to portray this arrangement as unfair or as evidence of undue influence, but a fair and objective analysis tells a very different story. Following the decision of the Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the matter has been rightly referred to the elected representatives of the people to decide whether these seats should be retained or removed. This process itself demonstrates the impartiality of Pakistan, which has not sought to impose its will but has allowed the local legislative body to determine its own structure. The principle behind these seats is rooted in the fundamental democratic right of representation for all those who belong to the state, regardless of where they reside. Just as citizens living in different parts of a country have the right to elect representatives, Kashmiris residing anywhere in Pakistan are entitled to participate in the political process of their homeland and to elect members to its assembly. This is not a sign of control, but of inclusivity.
A parallel can clearly be drawn with the system of reserved seats for minorities in the Parliament of Pakistan itself. Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and other minority communities are provided with representation to ensure their voices are heard and their rights protected—a model widely recognized as a progressive step toward ensuring equality. If this system is accepted as fair and democratic for minorities across Pakistan, it is only logical that the same principle applies to Kashmiris who have made Pakistan their home while retaining their connection to Jammu and Kashmir. Far from being unfair, this arrangement upholds the ideal that belonging and citizenship should not be limited by geography.In recent times, social media has become a key battleground in this effort to shape perceptions.
A coordinated network of handlers and accounts, operating with clear external backing, has been working tirelessly to propagate negative narratives against Pakistan and its role in the region. These actors have spread exaggerated, and often completely false, reports of violence and casualties, attempting to paint a picture of a state using force against peaceful citizens. It is important to state clearly that these claims hold no basis in reality. The Pakistan Rangers and the Pakistan Army have acted with the utmost restraint, their actions limited solely to maintaining law and order and protecting the lives and property of ordinary people. There have been no widespread casualties as claimed; such figures are fabricated to generate sympathy and justify further unrest. When incidents do occur, they are often the result of elements within the protests who have been incited to violence, and even then, security forces have exercised great caution to avoid harming innocent people.
The claim that Pakistan is responsible for any loss of life is a deliberate misrepresentation, designed to distract from the fact that the real goal of these agitations is to create chaos.The decision to ban the Joint Awami Action Committee is not only justified but necessary for the stability of the region. Given its links to foreign-sponsored elements and its refusal to engage in dialogue while promoting confrontation, allowing it to continue its activities would only serve the interests of those who wish to see Azad Kashmir descend into disorder.
Pakistan has consistently maintained a fair and balanced approach toward Azad Kashmir, respecting its autonomy while providing the support needed for its development. It has never sought to dominate its political landscape, but rather to ensure that the region remains secure and that its people can live in peace. The claims of interference are nothing more than a smokescreen put forward by those who wish to undermine Pakistan’s credibility.What is clear is that this entire episode is part of a broader design to create unrest, not just in Azad Kashmir but across the wider region. Foreign agencies, working in tandem with elements across the border, hope to create internal strife that will divert attention from the situation in Indian-held Kashmir and weaken Pakistan’s position. However, they underestimate the resolve of the Pakistani nation, the strength of its institutions, and the vigilance of its intelligence agencies.
The people of Azad Kashmir have long-standing ties with Pakistan and are fully aware of the true intentions behind these attempts to stir trouble. They understand that Pakistan stands firmly with them in their struggle for self-determination, and that it has always supported their rights.As events continue to unfold, it is essential that the truth prevails over false narratives. The unrest we see today is not born from genuine grievances alone, but is fueled by external forces seeking to achieve political goals through instability. Pakistan remains committed to fairness, justice, and the democratic process, allowing the people of Azad Kashmir to decide their own future while safeguarding their security.
The attempts to sow division and disorder will not succeed, for the unity between Pakistan and the people of Kashmir is too strong to be broken by foreign agendas or misinformation. The truth will always emerge, and those who seek to create problems will find that the resilience of this nation and its people remains unshakable.
