Bloodshed in PoK, Nationwide PTI Protests: Pakistan Government Under Pressure on Two Fronts

Islamabad: These days, Pakistan is struggling with political and administrative challenges simultaneously. On one hand, the government has implemented new rules on the reporting of foreign journalists, while on the other hand, former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced they will start a nationwide movement demanding their release. Meanwhile, the controversy regarding the election results in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) has also deepened, where despite the victory, allegations of rigging and violence have heated up the atmosphere.

What new rules has Pakistan implemented for foreign journalists?

The Government of Pakistan has issued new guidelines for foreign media. Under the new rules, now foreign journalists will have to take government permission before reporting outside big cities like Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

These rules are not limited to journalists only. Foreign media organisations, their production staff and local fixers will also have to register as per the prescribed procedure. The government says that this step has been taken to improve security and administrative coordination.

For which areas has some relief been given?

In the new system, limited relaxation has been kept for some areas like Abbottabad and Murree. At these locations, reporting permission can be obtained in a relatively short period of time. However, it will be mandatory to take official approval before going to other sensitive areas.

The government has also clarified that the purpose of registration is only to ensure identity and should not be seen as any government recognition.

What strategy has Imran Khan's party made now?

On the occasion of completion of three years of Imran Khan's arrest, PTI has decided to launch a nationwide movement from August 5. The party leadership says that the demand for Imran Khan's release will be intensified through rallies, protests and public meetings.

According to PTI leaders, detailed discussions were held in the party's parliamentary meeting to decide the outline of the movement. Currently Imran Khan is lodged in Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

Why has the controversy regarding PoK elections increased?

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has secured a good lead in the second phase of elections in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and is close to majority. But along with the election results, the opposition has made allegations of rigging.

There were reports of clashes and violence at many places during voting. Political tensions escalated after some people were injured and one death was reported.

What is the connection of JAAC movement with elections?

For the last few months, the demonstrations of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in PoK have been in the news continuously. This organization was running a movement against the government on many issues related to the area. Recently this organisation was banned, after which the protests in the area intensified.

India has already termed these elections a political exercise conducted in the area under illegal occupation of Pakistan.

Will the path ahead be easy for Pakistan?

On one hand the government is tightening control over foreign media, on the other hand the opposition is preparing to take to the streets. The election dispute in PoK has made the political atmosphere more tense. In such a situation, the whole world will keep an eye on the internal politics and security situation of Pakistan in the coming days.