From ‘enemies’ to ‘patriots’: Pakistan’s U-Turn on PoK Protesters Amid Global Pressure

The Pakistani government’s sudden about-face towards protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is a telling sign of the country’s election-season politics. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had likened the demonstrators to India and dismissed talks with them, describing them as “enemies of Pakistan.” Now, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has rebranded the protesters as “patriotic brothers,” hinting at an imminent engagement.

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), leading the months-long protests in PoK, is not just any ordinary group. It’s a coalition of local leaders and activists demanding better governance, economic opportunities, and an end to Pakistan’s exploitation of the region. Their demands are not dissimilar from those of other regions within Pakistan, where people are increasingly frustrated with the government’s failure to deliver on its promises.

The change in tone is a calculated move by the PML-N government, which appears to be softening its stance ahead of the polls. With the third and final phase of elections in PoK just around the corner, the ruling party seems eager to woo voters by presenting itself as a champion of local rights and interests. This sudden display of empathy towards protesters is not without precedent in Pakistani politics.

Historically, governments have used their rhetoric to shape public opinion and influence voting behavior. The current shift from “enemies” to “patriotic brothers” mirrors the PML-N’s earlier tactics during its previous tenure. By presenting themselves as champions of local rights, the ruling party hopes to create a narrative that pits itself against India, thus galvanizing national sentiment in favor of the PML-N.

However, this calculated gamble may have far-reaching consequences. The protesters’ demands are not limited to PoK; they echo concerns felt across Pakistan. If the government successfully co-opts the JAAC and presents itself as a champion of local rights, it risks being seen as pandering to regional interests at the expense of national cohesion.

Moreover, this U-turn highlights the contradictions within the PML-N’s stance on Kashmir. Just days ago, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif was warning about India’s “economic exploitation” and “administrative oppression” in PoK. Now, with the polls just around the corner, the same government is eager to engage with the very protesters it previously condemned as “enemies.”

The international community, particularly India, will be watching this development closely. New Delhi has already rejected Pakistan’s stance on the unrest, accusing Islamabad of exploiting regional tensions for electoral gains. As the election season heats up in PoK, the world waits with bated breath to see whether the Pakistani government will deliver on its promises or merely use them as a means to stay in power.

The implications of this U-turn extend beyond Pakistan’s borders. It raises questions about the sincerity of governments in engaging with protesters and addressing their legitimate demands. In an era where social movements are increasingly shaping politics, the Pakistani government’s calculated gamble may serve as a cautionary tale for other nations grappling with similar issues, highlighting the need for genuine dialogue and meaningful reform.