ISLAMBAD:
The opposition on Tuesday slammed the state’s handling of the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), alleging that public rights, constitutional order and freedom of expression were being compromised, while calling for an end to “state repression”.
Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) Chairman Allama Raja Nasir Abbas claimed that the situation in AJK was being covered up by the state media, while the real conditions were being reflected on social media.
They claimed that constitutional and democratic rights were under threat and demanded an end to coercive measures against the population.
Raja claimed that Kashmir was facing a serious crisis, alleging that following recent deaths, the bodies of some victims had not been handed over to their families.
He further claimed that fascism, repression and lack of constitutional and legal supremacy had taken root in the region, adding that public rights had been curtailed over the last four years and the sanctity of voting had been compromised, thereby causing harm to Pakistan.
Raja said he would continue to raise his voice against injustice, alleging that Imran had been imprisoned illegally and accusing the state of seeking to appease foreign interests.
He called on authorities to end the brutality, saying his party was fighting for the nation and for decency.
He also lamented the decline of respect for human life in society, while pledging to continue to address all challenges.
Speaking on the occasion, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas said that every state must function in accordance with its constitution and the rule of law.
He asserted that Azad Kashmir was not part of Pakistan but was a separate state and condemned the alleged use of force against protesters.
