Faizah Gilani
Political parties have been campaigning vigorously for the upcoming AJK elections taking place on July the 25th. Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto and Maryam Nawaz have all participated in election rallies to generate support for their respective candidates. But the run up to the election has been marred by mudslinging, controversy and unfortunate events.
Pakistan Tehreek- e-Insaf’s Murad Saeed and Ali Amin Gandapur’s convoy came under attack by and unknown group in the Hattian Bala district. Saeed and Gandapur were on their way for election campaigning when they were attacked. PTI has accused PML(N) of orchestrating the attack, after AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider warned of serious consequences if PTI were to enter his constituency.
This was not the only unfortunate incident to take place. Ali Amin Gandapur, who is also federal minister for Kashmir affairs committee, was addressing an election rally in Azad Kashmir’s Bagh district when someone tried to hit him with a shoe. Gandapur was also involved in controversy when a video went viral of the minister handing cash to supporters. Mishap and controversy seem to have followed Ali Amin Gandapur, but his personal conduct has been questionable.
It would be somewhat accurate to say that the build-up to AJKs legislative assembly election has been shambolic and in bad taste. Political parties should be focusing on policies, what their candidate can bring and how they can improve the lives for the people of AJK. But we have not seen any of that.
Instead, political parties have used his election to mudsling their opponents with petty point scoring, accusations of treachery and “selling Kashmir.” Sadly, it has become a common trend to use Kashmir as a political football, especially after the revocation of Article 370. We have seen Maryam Nawaz accuse Prime Minister Imran Khan of being in cahoots with Narendra Modi and blames the Pakistani PM for the current situation within Indian occupied Kashmir.
The accusations are not only absurd, it undermines Pakistan’s efforts to expose the Indian government’s intentions. It also sends out a negative image to the rest of the world. The Kashmir cause should not be used to forward political agendas, and yet it is happening time and time again.
This is damaging the cause and belittling the plight of those chasing the dream of self-determination. Any talk of “selling Kashmir” is grossly irresponsible and must be condemned. These are nothing but cheap tactics to gain votes and it is a shame to see it happen by those at the top of leadership.
We have heard nothing but accusations and personal attacks. Why are we not hearing more about the candidates? What do they have to offer? AJK’s election is not about PML(N) or PTI. Suddenly the campaign has become a political ring for political parties to throw punches at each other, leaving the people of Kashmir as mere spectators. The toxic culture of Pakistani politics is being transported to AJK and it is ugly to watch.
However, this is not to say that AJK politics is squeaky clean. It is far from it. AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider’s tone and use of language towards opposition parties is not befitting of a Prime Minister. His threats towards PTI, against entering his constituency only added to the toxic environment and created more tension. All political parties have a right to campaign freely, without fear. For the Prime Minister of AJK to make threatening remarks is outrageous.
In the midst of this political circus, it has been interesting listening to Imran Khan during the campaign. The Prime Minister has constantly referred to Narendra Modi’s RSS mind-set that has caused havoc in Kashmir. This is something that PM Khan has said from the very beginning, on every platform. While he is right to highlight the RSS ideology that fuels Modi’s government, it seems as though Imran Khan holds a naïve view when it comes to India.
Yes, the situation within Indian occupied Kashmir has changed dramatically under Modi and yes, he is driven by an RSS ideology. But India’s occupation of Kashmir and hostility towards Pakistan cannot be reduced to the doing of RSS mentality alone. If there is one issue that always unites India’s ruling party and opposition, it is Kashmir.
This was summed up by Rahul Gandhi, after article 370 was revoked: “I disagree with this government on many issues. But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India’s internal issue and there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it.”
There is no compromise on Kashmir within India’s political set up. Pakistan will have to advocate the Kashmir cause vigorously, regardless of who is in office in New Delhi. The road to self-determination for Kashmir will not be any easier with Modi out of office. To consider Narendra Modi as the only obstruction towards achieving a solution is simply a naïve and oversimplified understanding of the Kashmir dispute.
Imran Khan has made maximum effort in bringing the Kashmir cause to the forefront. He has mentioned Kashmir on all international platforms and has spoken extensively on Modi’s dangerous designs. But he needs to stop looking at Kashmir through an RSS/BJP lens.
It is also time for the Kashmir committee to be scrapped. Nothing worth mentioning has ever been carried out by the committee, both past and present, and Ali Amin Gandapur has not made a good impression.
The government under Imran Khan’s leadership could have revamped the Kashmir Committee, given it a well-defined role, with someone more understanding of the Kashmir cause in charge. Unfortunately, it has turned out to be yet another disappointment. With the committee serving no real purpose, it is better to scrap it completely.
Instead, Pakistan should amplify genuine voices from Kashmir. All international forums and platforms need to be used to pursue the Kashmir case in accordance with the UN resolutions. Pakistan was very proactive right after 5th August 2019. That proactive approach needs to return.
Regardless of whoever emerges victorious in AJK election, all political parties and leadership have a duty towards the people of Kashmir. There are many issues that can be used for politics, but the Kashmir cause should not be one of them. Pakistani politics will always have elements of animosity and bitter rivalry. But when it comes to Kashmir, all parties need to put aside their differences. If they cannot, if they choose to put egos first, it will continue to hurt the Kashmir cause. People before politics – this is how it should always be.
The writer has studied History and Politics at Queen Mary, University of London. And Near and Middle East Studies at SOAS, University of London.
