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The rising tide of discontent: JAAC’s first foundation day in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir

As the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) prepares to observe its first foundation day in Rawalakot on September 25, the event serves as a reminder of the growing unrest and dissatisfaction brewing in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir (PAJK).

This milestone not only marks a year of organized resistance against Islamabad’s policies but also highlights the deepening chasm between the aspirations of the local population and the reality of their lived experiences under Pakistani administration. The formation of JAAC a year ago was not a spontaneous occurrence but rather the culmination of decades of simmering frustration among the residents of PAJK. Despite Islamabad’s persistent attempts to portray the region as a bastion of contentment and development, the ground reality paints a vastly different picture. The very existence of JAAC, an umbrella organization bringing together diverse groups ranging from traders and transporters to lawyers and students, speaks volumes about the widespread nature of the grievances that plague the region.

At the heart of JAAC’s struggle lies a crisis that has been brewing for years. The skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, coupled with exorbitant taxes and electricity tariffs, have pushed many locals to the brink of economic despair. The irony of the situation is not lost on the residents of PoJK, who find themselves paying inflated rates for electricity despite their region producing far more power than it consumes. This economic exploitation is further exacerbated by Islamabad’s failure to honor its commitments to the region. The JAAC’s decision to boycott the government-organized ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ on February 5 earlier this year was a watershed moment. By instead observing it as “People’s Right Day,” JAAC sent a clear message that the hollow rhetoric of solidarity rings false when basic rights are denied to those under Pakistan’s control. This bold move exposed the superficiality of Islamabad’s claims of championing the Kashmiri cause while simultaneously suppressing the voices of those in PoJK.

The protests led by JAAC have exposed the fragility of Islamabad’s grip on the region. Despite the risk of repression, thousands of locals’ participation in these demonstrations indicates the depth of disillusionment with the status quo. The fact that these protests have managed to unite a cross-section of society, transcending political affiliations, is testament to the universality of the grievances being aired. Perhaps most concerning for Islamabad is the growing realization among PAJK residents of the stark contrast in development and opportunities available on the other side of the Line of Control. The visible progress in infrastructure, tourism, and social welfare programs in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir has not gone unnoticed. This comparison has only served to fuel the anger and frustration in PoJK, where basic amenities remain a luxury for many.

The response of the Pakistani establishment to these protests has been predictably heavy-handed. Reports of enforced disappearances, as documented by the Defence of Human Rights organization, paint a grim picture of the tactics employed to silence dissent. The abduction of Ahmed Farhad Shah, a poet and journalist critical of Islamabad’s policies, from the national capital itself, sends a chilling message about the lengths to which the establishment is willing to go to suppress voices of dissent. As JAAC prepares to mark its foundation day, the event is likely to be more than just a celebration. It will serve as a rallying point for the diverse groups that have found common cause in their struggle against what they perceive as systemic exploitation and marginalization. The day will undoubtedly be an opportunity for JAAC to reaffirm its commitment to the fight for the rights of PAJK residents and highlight the ongoing issues plaguing the region.

The Pakistani establishment finds itself in a precarious position. The traditional tactics of suppression and propaganda are proving increasingly ineffective in the face of widespread discontentment. The recent financial packages, aimed at subsidizing flour prices and reducing electricity tariffs, is at best a stopgap measure that fails to address the root causes of the unrest. As JAAC gains momentum, it poses a significant challenge to Islamabad’s narrative about PAJK. The organization’s ability to mobilize many people and its growing cooperation with groups like the Gilgit Baltistan Awami Action Committee (GBAAC) signals a new era of resistance that transcends regional boundaries within PoJK.

The first foundation day of JAAC is thus not merely an anniversary but a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of PAJK. It stands as a stark reminder of the failure of Islamabad’s policies in the region and the growing disconnect between the rulers and the ruled. As the day approaches, it carries with it the weight of unfulfilled promises, economic hardships, and a yearning for genuine autonomy and development. The challenge for Islamabad moving forward is formidable. Mere financial packages or temporary concessions are unlikely to quell the tide of discontent. What is required is a fundamental reassessment of its approach to PAJK, one that takes into account the aspirations and rights of the local population. However, given the region’s strategic importance and the entrenched interests of the Pakistani establishment, such a shift seems improbable in the near future.

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Paul Antonopoulos

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