AJK Lawyers Reject Peaceful Assembly Ordinance 2024, Demand Immediate Withdrawal

Mirpur (The Azadi Times): A landmark meeting of the Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) Supreme Court Bar Association was held on November 30, 2024, at the Supreme Court Bar Room in Mirpur. The meeting, attended by representatives of the AJK High Court Bar Association, and district and tehsil bar associations across the region, unanimously rejected the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance 2024 (Ordinance IX), branding it as a “black law” that undermines fundamental rights and threatens the Kashmir freedom movement.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

The lawyers voiced grave concerns over the ordinance’s potential impact on the Kashmir freedom movement. The resolution declared that such laws harm AJK’s role as the “base camp” for the movement, with India already leveraging this ordinance in international forums to paint Pakistan in a negative light. The ordinance, they warned, risks causing irreparable damage to the freedom struggle.

Violation of International Human Rights

The ordinance was strongly condemned as a direct violation of the United Nations Charter on Human Rights. The resolution highlighted that introducing such a draconian law in a peaceful region like AJK is unprecedented and unacceptable.

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Demands and Decisions

1. Immediate Repeal of the Ordinance
   The legal fraternity demanded the immediate withdrawal of Ordinance IX, urging the government to prevent unrest and uphold AJK’s reputation as a democratic region that values fundamental rights.
2. Condemnation of Cases Against Protestors
   The lawyers condemned the registration of cases against peaceful protestors, including political activists, students, and civil society members. They specifically highlighted the District Bars of Mirpur, Rawalakot, Bagh, Haveli, and Nikyal, demanding the immediate withdrawal of all such cases.
3. Awareness Campaigns
   The resolution announced plans to educate the public about the oppressive nature of the ordinance through seminars, press briefings, and other awareness activities across bar associations.
4. Support for the December 5 Strike
   The lawyers pledged full support for the peaceful strike called by the Joint Action Committee on December 5, 2024, to protest against the ordinance.
5. Escalation of Protests
   The resolution warned that if the ordinance is not repealed by December 3, 2024, the legal fraternity would take the matter to international human rights forums and legal institutions in Pakistan and abroad.
6. Release of Detainees
   The lawyers demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all political activists arrested for protesting against the ordinance, condemning their detention as a violation of their democratic rights.

The AJK Supreme Court Bar Association has taken a firm stand against what it calls a “draconian law” that threatens both fundamental rights and the broader freedom movement. By announcing nationwide awareness campaigns and international outreach, the legal fraternity has sent a clear message of resistance against any legislation that undermines the democratic values of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

Issued by:
Media Wing, Supreme Court Bar Association of AJK