Maps
Magazine

MILITARY

DG ISPR: Protest is a Right, But Chaos Damages Azad Kashmir’s Economy
DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry says Azad Kashmir’s political system is functional, taxes are essential for salaries & services. Protests are a right, but chaos damages the economy.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-09-29
DG ISPR: Protest is a Right, But Chaos Damages Azad Kashmir’s Economy

Pakistan Army spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has emphasized the importance of tax collection in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), stating that public services, benefits, and salaries cannot be provided without state revenue.

Speaking to over 1,000 students and teachers from various universities in Palandri on September 15, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) addressed questions on governance, protests, and regional stability. Excerpts of the session went viral on social media on Monday.

Responding to a query about the role of the Public Action Committee, Lieutenant General Chaudhry said AJK has a functioning political system with strong indicators in education, health, and infrastructure.

He underscored the need for responsibility in civic action:

“If the state does not collect taxes, how will it provide benefits and salaries? More than 30 percent of AJK’s population is employed in government jobs. Protests are everyone’s right, but chaos damages the economy.”

Highlighting AJK’s natural and human resources, the Army spokesperson added that Allah has blessed the region with immense potential. He reminded students that the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was a Kashmiri, and many Kashmiris have served with distinction in the armed forces.

“The future of Kashmir is ‘Kashmir becomes Pakistan,’” he declared, stressing the bond between Pakistan and Kashmir.

The remarks come amid rising public activism in AJK, with calls for reforms and improved governance. The DG ISPR’s comments underline the military’s stance that while dissent is allowed, stability and economic order remain critical.
Tagged:

KASHMIR

PakistanArmy

AzadKashmir

DGISPR
Share News: