The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government retracted its presidential ordinance banning peaceful protests on Sunday, following successful negotiations with the Joint Public Action Committee (JAAC), according to national media.
A notification issued confirmed the withdrawal of the controversial ordinance after the JAAC led a successful protest. This development followed a complete strike in AJK on December 5, with educational institutions and shops closed, and transport suspended in response to the protest call from the Jammu & Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC).
According to a report by ARY News on Sunday, the presidential ordinance had imposed a seven-year jail term on individuals participating in protests in AJK.
The ordinance was criticized by the JAAC and civil society groups, who argued it violated people’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression, raising concerns about balancing public order with civil liberties in the region.
On Tuesday, the AJK Supreme Court suspended the enforcement of the ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance, 2024,’ while hearing appeals against a high court ruling that had upheld the law.
Earlier this year, the Awami Joint Action Committee had ended protests against inflation after the government agreed to their demands. Violent clashes between police and activists during previous protests had resulted in deaths and injuries.
