December 10, 2024
1 min read

PoJK Scraps Protest Law 

PoJK Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq cited security concerns to be the only reason the prior permission clause was put in the ordinance. ..reports Asian Lite News

After days of unrest in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), the government on Sunday withdrew a controversial Presidential Ordinance, which mandated prior government permission for public protests. 

Sensing growing public resentment amid a shutter-down strike and massive demonstrations, President Barrister Sultan Mahmood announced withdrawal of the ordinance and government officials held formal negotiations, resulting in a written agreement. 

“The public deserves congratulations, which came out to protest and gave an answer to the government and bureaucrats. You have proved that PoJK has its own law and system,” one of the protesters said after the government’s decision. 

PoJK Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq cited security concerns to be the only reason the prior permission clause was put in the ordinance. Reports suggest the agreement included a commitment to withdrawing all cases against activists and compensation for victims of the May 13 firing incidents. 

Despite the region’s strategic importance, the people of PoJK have long suffered under an oppressive regime, where their rights, basic needs, and aspirations are consistently overlooked. The region of PoJK has increasingly faced concerns over restrictions on freedom of expression, particularly regarding political and social dissent. 

In recent years, individuals, media outlets, and political activists who criticise the government or ruling authorities have been subjected to harassment, intimidation, and even legal action. These crackdowns typically involve heightened surveillance, arrests, and censorship of media that challenge the government’s stance on key issues such as governance, human rights, and the political status of the region. 

Political activists and opposition groups, particularly those advocating for greater autonomy or highlighting human rights violations, often find themselves under significant pressure. Their activities are closely monitored, and they may face legal or extrajudicial repercussions. Furthermore, this suppression extends to curbing the freedom of speech and limiting the activities of civil society organisations, which play a critical role in holding the government accountable. (ANI) 

ALSO READ: Bangladesh Interim Govt Targets Hasina’s Party

Previous Story

Baloch Rights Groups Slam Global Silence 

Next Story

China Stirs up Taiwan Strait 

Latest from -Top News

Perdue sworn in as US envoy to China 

David Perdue, a ‘hawkish’ figure in US politics, served as a Senator from 2015 to 2021, where he gained a reputation for his firm stance on China.  David Perdue, the former US

Mock drills held nationwide 

The nationwide mock drills are part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance civil defence capabilities and coinciding with the Pahalgam attack and India’s retaliatory action to it.   India conducted large-scale

India’s deepest strikes since 1971 

By extending its strike capabilities deep into Pakistan’s heartland, India has redrawn the contours of conventional deterrence in the subcontinent. This could embolden future Indian responses to cross-border terror attacks, but it

PM calls off Europe trip 

The visit was slated to include India’s participation in the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Oslo on May 15–16.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi has postponed his forthcoming visits to Norway, Croatia, and the

UK urges direct dialogue 

Describing the situation as a “serious concern,” British Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged both nuclear-armed neighbours to avoid escalation and prioritise diplomatic avenues.  UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called on India
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Violence Spreads in Balochistan

The Baloch groups have also targeted Chinese personnel, and even

Imran Khan Granted Bail In May 9 Riots Case

ATC judge Arshad Javed on Friday heard the bail pleas