Pakistan has also increased the number of security personnel deployed in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) areas as it seeks to stem anti-government protests ahead of the general elections on July 27.
The military establishment of Islamabad is preparing for a major clash with demonstrators after weeks of protests by the Awami Action Committee (AAC) in which the Pakistani military and administration has been accused of repression, governance failures and denying residents their rights, top security officials said.
Security Build-Up Intensifies
According to sources in Pakistan, Pakistan's security forces have been directed to ensure that electoral processes are not disrupted and that election preparations are made to guarantee that Pakistan's security forces have been put in place for the time being so that no disruption in Pakistan's security agencies can occur. Security agencies have been directed to put on extra security at a few sensitive sites, and there are more police stationed in Rawalakot as well, since the ongoing sit-in protests in the vicinity of several locations.
According to the sources, Pakistan’s military leadership has sent a clear message to protest leaders that there will be “no more negotiations and no more protests.”
According to the newspaper, the government has imposed a final ultimatum on those who are camped in Rawalakot to end their protest peacefully and surrender or face a forcible eviction by security forces.
It has been announced that military commanders will decide within 24 to 48 hours whether to carry out an operation to clear the protest site.
A Final Opportunity Before Possible Action
Before any enforcement action is conducted, security officials are to give what they describe as a “final window” for leaders of the Awami Action Committee to voluntarily withdraw the protest, they say.
But plans have been drawn up if the protesters do not comply.
Security agencies in PoK have been put on high alert with extra personnel deployed to strategic spots. Forces have been told to be ready for any scenario if tensions escalate during any clearance operation, sources said.
Elections Drive Security Measures
The increased deployment is part of Islamabad’s larger strategy to maintain calm ahead of the July 27 election in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, officials say.
The upcoming polls will also determine the composition of the regional assembly and authorities will want to avoid demonstrations becoming an obstacle to the electoral process.
The security establishment, according to the document, considers law and order to be the top priority for voting.
Protesters Refuse to Back Down
Despite the increased security presence, the Awami Action Committee has shown no signs of ending its agitation.
According to sources, protest leaders have issued their own ultimatum to Pakistani authorities and have called for mega protests on July 9, alleging military excesses and demanding greater political and civil rights for the people of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
In the next few days, there are also fears of a direct confrontation between protesters and security forces, with both sides taking increasingly uncompromising positions.
Tensions Continue to Rise
With more troops on hand, security agencies on high alert and protest leaders ready for larger demonstrations, Rawalakot is now the focal point of increasing political tension in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
The region is in transition, and authorities are working to maintain stability ahead of the elections, while opposition groups continue to protest publicly.
Whether negotiations resume or security forces move to disperse the protesters is expected to become clearer in the next two days as Pakistan’s military leadership decides what the next step will be.
