Pakistan-administered Kashmir District of Mirpur The first FIR has been registered under the ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance’, which is being termed as a ‘black law’ and a ‘serious violation’ of fundamental human rights by the public.
According to the FIR registered under the article 8 of the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance 2024 in police station New City Mirpur against Constable Tasneem Ahmed Moazzam, a meeting of the Public Action Committee took place at the local hotel ‘Apna Hotel’. , in which 90 people including Professor Nauman and Ghulam Jilani participated. The participants in the meeting took an oath that ‘to end the rights of Mirpur and the pleasures of the rulers, they will close the city of Mirpur if they have to.’
According to the FIR, no prior notice of this meeting was given, whereas after the implementation of the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance, it is necessary to seek prior permission from the administration for such a meeting.
Central Bar Muzaffarabad President Nasir Masood Mughal Advocate has termed this FIR as a violation of fundamental human rights.
In a conversation with Independent Urdu, Nasir Masood said: ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance is clearly against basic human rights, this ordinance and the FIRs registered under it are unacceptable. It is against freedom of opinion.’
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He further said that ‘in the next two to three days, the Supreme Court Bar, High Court Bar, District Court Bar and Central Bar will challenge this ordinance in the court after consultation.’
Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a member of the Joint Public Action Committee, who was at the forefront of the previous protest, expressed concern over the ordinance, saying, “An event is taking place inside the hotel, with 90 to 100 people and FI.” It has been recorded in R that there is a protest against the extravagance of the rulers, is this a crime?’
He further said that ‘Earlier, an FIR was registered against terrorism in this country, now an FIR is being registered against him as well, why are people protesting against the rulers’ extravagances? This is the most despicable act of the government which is depriving the people of even asking for their rights.’
Shaukat Nawaz Mir said: ‘We do not obey any such ordinance and we have decided that black flags will be hoisted on all buildings and vehicles and black bands will be tied on arms and heads throughout Kashmir, until this law is passed. Not withdrawn. We will also go to court against this law.’
Raja Amjad Ali Khan Advocate giving his stand regarding the FIR registered under the Ordinance said: ‘This Ordinance is a reflection of very irresponsible thinking, the article under which the FIR was registered is the article of the Ordinance. Contrary to the situation described in the FIR, we will challenge this ordinance in the judiciary and it is not acceptable in any case.’
President of Civil Society Muzaffarabad, Shahid Awan, while talking about this ordinance, said that this is a black law, it should not have been implemented in any case. First of all, it should have been challenged by lawyers on its implementation, but it was not done, however, after this FIR, civil society will also go to court as a party to challenge the ordinance.
Pakistan-administered Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq and Interior Minister Col. Retired Waqar Noor announced the implementation of this ordinance in a press conference in Muzaffarabad a week ago, on which various public circles, civil society and lawyers’ organizations protested. Concerns were expressed.
Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq said in his statement regarding the implementation of this ordinance: “Anyone who wants to hold a peaceful assembly, the law has come into force that he can apply, no one can block the road, no one can block the square. can Children are going to school, no one can stop their way, no sick person will die on the road because there is a protest sit-in ahead.
Regarding this FIR, Independent Urdu contacted Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mirpur Khawar Ali Shaukat to know the position of the police, but he refused to comment.
What is Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance?
Under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance, new laws have been laid down for public protests in Kashmir.
. Under this ordinance, a written application will now have to be submitted to the District Magistrate seven days before holding any kind of protest in Kashmir, in which the identity cards, phone numbers and addresses of the organizers of the protest will be mentioned.
. Any unregistered organization or group shall not be authorized to file any protest.
. The Magistrate has the power to declare any particular place or area as Red Zone and not allow protest at that place.
. No batons, arms or weapons of any kind will be allowed in any public protest.
. Road or square intersections will not be closed.
. Violation of all or any of these conditions is punishable by up to seven years of imprisonment and detention under criminal charges.
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#FIR #filed #controversial #Public #Order #Act #Kashmir
**Interview with Nasir Masood Mughal Advocate, President of the Central Bar Muzaffarabad**
**Host:** Good evening, Mr. Mughal. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent FIR registered under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance, which many are calling a ‘black law’. Could you start by explaining what prompted the FIR against the Public Action Committee meeting in Mirpur?
**Nasir Masood Mughal:** Thank you for having me. The FIR was registered following a meeting organized by the Public Action Committee where participants expressed their collective intent to protest against governmental extravagance. The authorities took a legal stance, citing that proper permission had not been obtained for the assembly— a requirement under the newly enforced ordinance.
**Host:** Some have characterized this ordinance as a serious infringement on fundamental human rights. Do you agree with this assessment?
**Nasir Masood Mughal:** Absolutely. The Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance is inherently contrary to basic human rights. It restricts our fundamental freedoms of speech and assembly, which are essential in any democratic society.
**Host:** What actions are you and your colleagues planning in response to this ordinance and the FIR?
**Nasir Masood Mughal:** We, along with members from various legal bodies, are preparing to challenge the ordinance in court. We will be consulting and coordinating with the Supreme Court Bar, High Court Bar, and District Court Bar to collectively fight against this unjust law.
**Host:** Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a member of the Joint Public Action Committee, has expressed similar sentiments, saying that protesting against rulers’ extravagance should not be considered a crime. What are your thoughts on this?
**Nasir Masood Mughal:** Mr. Mir’s remarks underscore a crucial sentiment of the public. Peaceful protests are a form of expressing dissatisfaction and holding power accountable, which is not only a right but a responsibility of citizens in a democracy. The government’s reaction through this ordinance seems to aim at stifling legitimate dissent.
**Host:** The Prime Minister recently defended the ordinance by stating it protects public order. How do you respond to that?
**Nasir Masood Mughal:** While public order is indeed important, it should never come at the cost of fundamental rights. The rationale provided by the government appears to be more about controlling public discourse than ensuring safety. We believe that a nation thrives on the ability of its citizens to engage in constructive dialogue and protest peacefully.
**Host:** Lastly, what message would you like to convey to the public regarding their right to assemble and protest?
**Nasir Masood Mughal:** I urge the public to remain vigilant and continue advocating for their rights. It is crucial to voice opposition to laws that suppress freedoms. This ordinance must be challenged, and together, we can work towards ensuring that our basic rights are protected.
**Host:** Thank you, Mr. Mughal, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. We appreciate your time and perspective.
**Nasir Masood Mughal:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to keep the conversation going.