Muzaffarabad: The capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir witnessed turmoil today as AJK Prime Minister Chaudhary Anwar Ul Haq’s planned visit to the Muzaffarabad’s famous Madina Market was abruptly cancelled due to widespread protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee.
The announcement of the Prime Minister’s visit to Madina Market was made before the visit, generating anticipation among locals.
However, as the Prime Minister was en route to the market, the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a social and political group in Pakistan-administrred Kashmir called for a shutter-down strike, condemning the AJK government’s and specifically targeting Prime Minister Anwar Ul Haq.
The streets of Madina Market were filled with demonstrators, voicing their grievances against the AJK government’s policies and the Prime Minister’s leadership.
Amidst chants and slogans, the planned visit of the PM was canceled, with security concerns cited as the reason.
Social media platforms became a battleground for both supporters and critics of the government, with hashtags related to the protest trending nationwide.
Images and videos depicting the intensity of the demonstrations flooded timelines, highlighting the growing discontent among the populace.
Speaking to reporters, a spokesperson for the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee emphasized the need for governmental accountability and promised to continue their agitation until their demands are met.
Meanwhile, government officials condemned the disruption caused by the protests, labeling it as an attempt to undermine the democratic process.
Prime Minister Anwar Ul Haq assured citizens that their concerns would be addressed through dialogue and peaceful means.
As tensions simmer in Muzaffarabad, the future remains uncertain, with both sides digging in their heels in what appears to be a protracted struggle for political change.