The Baloch Solidarity Committee (BYC) has said in a statement that the decision to ban a peaceful organization like the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is not just an attack on a movement, but it is a clear message to the people of Kashmir that there is no room left for political dissent and democratic voices in this increasingly militant and authoritarian state.
The statement said that however, banning JAAC cannot silence the voice of the people. Banning a peaceful political movement does not eliminate the issues, aspirations and demands that it represents. Rather, it is a reflection of the state’s lack of interest in resolving these issues through democratic and political means.
The Baloch Solidarity Committee strongly condemns this decision. We also want to remind the people of Pakistan that in a state where fundamental freedoms are constantly under threat, we have a shared responsibility to defend our rights and safeguard freedom of expression, which is increasingly becoming unacceptable.
He added that before banning JAAC, the state of Pakistan had also banned the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), another movement that was trying to highlight political and social issues through peaceful mass organization. Such steps indicate a growing trend in which political voices are being suppressed instead of resolving political issues.
The spokesperson said that defending freedom of expression, political participation and democratic rights is a collective responsibility. We must unite against any attempt to silence peaceful political movements before it is too late.
The Baloch Solidarity Committee appeals to the people, political parties, civil society organizations, students, workers and all democratic forces across the country to raise their voices against this injustice. If these attacks on fundamental rights continue, they will eventually become a threat to the freedoms of all people.
In conclusion, it said that banning the JAAC cannot eliminate the voice of the people; it will only deepen the demand for justice, dignity and democratic rights. The voices of Kashmiris and other oppressed nations cannot be silenced by restrictions, coercion or authoritarian measures.
Share this content:
