From 'enemies' to 'patriots': Pak's U-turn on PoK protesters amid global pressure

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's PML-N party seems to be taking a more conciliatory stance towards demonstrators in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to a senior government adviser. Rana Sanaullah stated that 99 percent of those involved in the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the group spearheading months of protests, are "our patriotic brothers."

He added that once the PML(N) government is formed with a two-thirds majority, it will engage with the JAAC representatives, with the primary objective of resolving the issue.

This shift in rhetoric contrasts sharply with previous statements. Just days earlier, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif characterized the protesters as "enemies of Pakistan" and dismissed any possibility of discussions with them. Asif asserted that there would be no dialogue with the protesters, likening them to India in his assessment.

India, however, has dismissed Pakistan's perspective on the unrest, accusing it of being fueled by economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression within PoK. The JAAC has countered these accusations, alleging that security forces opened fire on its activists during demonstrations, resulting in the deaths of over 40 individuals, including women and children, and around 400 protesters being killed since early June.

The change in the government's approach coincides with the PML-N's preparations to assume control of the region following elections marred by violence and allegations of electoral malpractice. In the first two phases of voting, the PML-N secured 25 out of the 45 directly elected seats, surpassing the majority threshold in the legislative assembly. The party is currently locked in a direct contest with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), its federal government coalition partner.

The third and final phase of elections for four seats is slated for Monday, while elections in seven constituencies have been postponed indefinitely. The JAAC has been leading protests in PoK since June, garnering support from students, traders, transporters, lawyers, and social workers. The regional government banned the group in June.

The protests have faced a stringent security crackdown, prompting Amnesty International and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan to express concerns over reported violence and call for investigations. The situation also garnered attention from the United Nations, which urged for accountability concerning actions against individuals partaking in peaceful protests.