ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Joint People’s Action Committee has once again called for a shutter-down strike in Azad Kashmir, scheduled to begin on December 5, in response to a recent Presidential Ordinance imposed by the Azad Kashmir administration. This protest is a continuation of the committee’s efforts to express opposition to the new regulation, which they argue infringes on their right to protest.
The strike call was made during a meeting of the committee, which also highlighted concerns over recent arrests in Rawalakot and Mirpur. These arrests, they say, are part of a broader crackdown on those voicing dissent. The committee is demanding the repeal of the newly introduced presidential ordinance, which requires prior permission from the administration to hold any protest. The ordinance has become a point of contention, as it restricts citizens’ ability to peacefully demonstrate.
In May of this year, the people of Azad Kashmir had already staged a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike across the region, in a bid to pressure the government to address critical issues such as the rising costs of electricity and flour. During that time, businesses, offices, and educational institutions in Rawalakot, Mirpur, and other areas came to a standstill in solidarity with the protest.
As part of their ongoing fight for justice, the protesters also rallied for the release of those detained during the earlier demonstrations, underscoring the deep frustration and unrest felt across the region. The call for the December 5 strike is a continuation of these efforts to hold the administration accountable and ensure that the voices of the people are heard. The people of Azad Kashmir, many of whom are struggling with economic hardship, see these protests not just as a political act but as a stand for their basic rights and freedoms.
