From 'enemies' to 'patriots': Pak's U-turn on PoK protesters amid global pressure
Pakistan's ruling PML-N party is shifting its rhetoric toward protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, moving from labeling them 'enemies' to 'patriotic brothers.' This change comes amid significant political pressure and upcoming elections in the region.
Why it matters
The pivot highlights the volatility of regional politics and the government's attempt to manage civil unrest through political reconciliation rather than confrontation.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s led PML-N appears to be softening its position towards protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with a senior government adviser now describing the vast majority of demonstrators as “patriotic” and saying the party will soon engage with them.Sharif’s adviser Rana Sanaullah on Saturday said 99 per cent of those associated with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the group leading months of protests in the region, were “our patriotic brothers”.“When the PML(N) government will be formed with two-third majority, it will sit with [Joint Awami] Action Committee representatives.
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