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| State-Sponsored Jihadi Culture in Pakistan-administered Kashmir |
Every year, like clockwork, Pakistan observes "Kashmir Solidarity Day" on February 5th. However, this year, preparations in Poonch, specifically in the city of Rawalakot, have taken on a more aggressive tone, raising concerns about the agenda behind these events.
Aggressive Promotion of "Solidarity with Kashmir"
The Sabir Shaheed Stadium will host a conference under the title "Solidarity with Kashmir and Toofan-e-Aqsa". A wide range of participants—including leaders from various political factions, religious seminaries, and state-supported organizations—have been invited. Yet, what raises eyebrows is the active involvement of banned militant groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba (Jamaat-ud-Dawa), and Sipah-e-Sahaba, operating under new labels and banners.
Hidden Faces Behind the Curtain
Instead of openly naming these outlawed groups, organizers have assigned credit to "Tehreek-e-Azadi Kashmir", a title designed to conceal the real actors involved. In some cases, a mysterious "Rawalakot Civil Society" has also been advertised as the event organizer. Despite these disguises, campaigns for the event are being run by individuals linked to banned organizations, signaling state complicity.
Hamas and the Palestine Connection
The event heavily emphasizes Palestine and Hamas, with claims that representatives of Hamas in Pakistan will attend the conference. Their presence is being highlighted to attract religious and political sympathizers, with social media campaigns rallying public support.
The Role of Religious Militancy
Prominent banned figures like Talha Al-Saif (brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar) and others, including Asghar Khan Kashmiri and Rizwan Hanif, are scheduled to address religious audiences. These individuals continue to operate unchecked despite the National Action Plan, introduced nearly a decade ago to combat terrorism.
Hypocrisy in Counter-Terrorism Policies
While the state claims success in disarming non-state actors and curbing militancy, the reality in Pakistani-administered Jammu and Kashmir paints a starkly different picture. Banned groups not only hold public events but also openly incite violence against progressive and nationalist elements.
Colonial Oppression in Poonch
Poonch has historically been a center of progressive and nationalist resistance against colonial exploitation and neoliberal policies. The area has played a pivotal role in recent movements for civil rights, frustrating the ruling elite. In retaliation, the state has intensified efforts to suppress these movements by employing religious extremism.
State-Supported Propaganda and Indoctrination
To control the narrative, the government has adopted various strategies:
- Social Media Campaigns: Investment in paid propaganda, creating videos and radio programs.
-
Educational
Indoctrination:
Establishing IT centers in universities and colleges to spread
militarized ideologies.
- Workshops and Training: Organizing security workshops for journalists, teachers, and activists.
Reviving the "Jihadi Culture"
The Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Anwar-ul-Haq, recently revived slogans like "Al-Jihad, Al-Jihad" in a January 2025 rally. This public endorsement of "Jihadi culture" reveals the continuation of state-sponsored militancy. Despite international pressure, figures like Masood Azhar remain influential through family networks and proxies.
Shifting Focus of Militancy
Unlike the past, where militancy targeted Indian-administered Kashmir, the focus now seems to be shifting inward. Under the guise of "freedom struggles," these groups are being mobilized to suppress local dissent and maintain state control.
Exploiting the "Freedom Movement"
The freedom movement has long been a tool to distract the public from systemic issues in the region. However, as the youth increasingly demand rights to governance and ownership of resources, the ruling elite is doubling down on efforts to militarize them under the banner of liberation.
Written by: Haris Qadeer
Edited by: Waheeda Jammu Kashmiri
