Palandri, Azad Jammu and Kashmir — September 15 — Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, addressed students and faculty members from various universities of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), where he stressed that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, chaos and destructive politics inflict severe harm on the economy and society.
The remarks were delivered during an interactive session in Palandri, where DG ISPR answered wide-ranging questions from students and teachers. Clips of the exchange later went viral on social media, sparking public debate over the balance between rights and responsibilities in AJK’s political landscape.
The Balance Between Rights and Responsibilities
Responding to a question about the politics of agitation and vandalism associated with certain protest movements, particularly those led by the Awami Action Committee, General Sharif emphasized the importance of order.
“Azad Kashmir has a functional political system. All key indicators, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure, are improving. But if the state cannot collect taxes, then how will it pay salaries and extend benefits?” he asked.
The DG ISPR highlighted that over 30 percent of the AJK population is employed in government service, making tax collection indispensable. “Protest is a right,” he said, “but creating anarchy harms the economy, and ultimately hurts the very people who are demanding better living conditions.”
Kashmir’s Strategic Importance
General Sharif drew attention to Kashmir’s vast natural blessings. “Allah has given Kashmir immense resources. The founder of Pakistan himself was deeply connected to the dream of Kashmir. Many officers and soldiers in the Pakistan Army proudly belong to Kashmir. The future of Kashmir is tied with Pakistan — ‘Kashmir banega Pakistan’ is not just a slogan, but a vision.”
He added that AJK’s relative cost of living is lower than many parts of Pakistan, pointing out that electricity and wheat flour remain cheaper in the region compared to national averages. “If your people have issues, they should come into the system and talk. Solutions cannot come from chaos but through structured dialogue,” he said.
Budgetary Realities
General Sharif also discussed AJK’s financial structure, noting that out of a 300-billion-rupee budget, nearly half — 150 billion rupees — goes to salaries and pensions alone. “If the government is to pay salaries, it must collect taxes. There is no other way. You cannot demand rights while refusing the responsibilities that come with them.”
He urged students to see the broader picture: “Resources are not infinite. If we want to build infrastructure, improve schools, and expand healthcare, we need a sustainable revenue base. It is not enough to only demand concessions.”
Building a Prosperous Kashmir
The DG ISPR envisioned Kashmir not as a dependent region but as a provider for the wider area. “Kashmir can become the orchard of the entire region, exporting fruits and agricultural products. It can be the giving hand rather than the receiving hand. The potential to solve Kashmiris’ problems lies in harnessing these resources.”
He cited ongoing initiatives in information technology, minerals, agriculture, artificial intelligence, and even cryptocurrency, aimed at expanding AJK’s economic opportunities and reducing dependence on subsidies. “Solutions come through conversations at multiple levels, not by breaking windows or burning tires,” he remarked.
Military Representation and National Unity
In addressing questions about representation, General Sharif pointed out that Kashmiris are already integrated into Pakistan’s defense structure. “Today, we have two Lieutenant Generals and several Major Generals in the Pakistan Army from Kashmir. Kashmiri officers and soldiers serve with pride and distinction. Their presence is proof that Kashmir is not isolated — it is part of Pakistan’s core.”
The Right to Protest, Not to Destabilize
While reaffirming that criticism and protest are fundamental rights, he cautioned against actions that weaken stability. “You have the right to raise your voice, but not at the cost of creating instability. Instability comes at a heavy price — it damages the economy, creates mistrust, and drives away investment.”
He added, “If you replace protests with invitations of peace, love, and cultural expression, people will come from all over Pakistan and the world. Tourism will flourish, trade will grow, and opportunities will multiply.”
Moving Forward Together
General Sharif concluded his talk by stressing the interconnectedness of Pakistan and AJK. “Pakistan’s problems and Kashmir’s problems are shared; their solutions are also shared. The task is to increase resources, ensure fairness, and work together. If people continue to channel their energy into positive avenues, there is no reason why Kashmir cannot become a model of progress.”
The session reflected a careful balancing act between acknowledging grievances and emphasizing discipline, responsibility, and constructive dialogue. For the young audience, the message was clear: protests are legitimate, but long-term solutions demand participation, taxation, innovation, and above all, stability.
