A peaceful rally organised by members of civil society was held at Chowk Shaheedan in Mirpur to express support for Pakistan and reject the narrative of the banned Jammu Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
Participants carrying banners and placards gathered in large numbers, chanting slogans in favour of peace, national unity, and stability. People from different walks of life attended the demonstration, calling for the protection of public order and harmony.
Addressing the rally, political and community leaders, including assembly candidate Abdul Shakoor Mughal, urged authorities to take strict legal action against individuals involved in activities that threaten public peace and undermine state stability.
The speakers stressed that maintaining law and order is essential for the progress and well-being of society. They said no banned or unlawful organisation should be allowed to disrupt public peace or create instability.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to peace and expressed solidarity with Pakistan, urging the government to ensure that the law is enforced equally against all elements involved in activities detrimental to public order.
Earlier, the Traders Union of Trarkhel announced that shops will reopen. Although leaders of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) held negotiations with the traders, the union remained firm in its decision to resume business activities and reopen the markets.
According to the Traders’ Alliance, the prolonged closure of markets has caused severe financial hardship for traders and the general public. Following mutual consultations, the alliance decided to reopen the markets from tomorrow to allow commercial activities to resume.
Leaders of the banned JAAC met with members of the business community and attempted to persuade them to continue the market closure. However, the traders remained firm in their decision and made it clear that all businesses would reopen from Monday as previously agreed.
Representatives of the Traders’ Alliance said the continued shutdown of businesses has affected not only traders but also daily wage earners, labourers, and ordinary citizens. They stressed that restoring normal economic activity has become the need of the hour.
The traders’ decision is expected to bring a significant change to the overall situation in the area. The impact of the move will become clearer once markets reopen on Monday.
Also read: Khawaja Mehran’s close aide, Usman Mushtaq quits banned JAAC
