The issue of the release and parole of Bandi Singhs—Sikh prisoners whose continued incarceration has remained a longstanding religious, legal and political concern in Punjab—is once again emerging as a significant fault line in the state’s socio-political landscape. Recent developments, including renewed demands for the release of long-incarcerated prisoners and the growing mobilisation of Sikh organisations, indicate that the issue is moving beyond individual cases and increasingly becoming a broader question of justice, representation and Sikh identity.
The immediate implication of granting parole to prominent Bandi Singhs would be the likely strengthening of mobilisation around their release. Parole, although legally a temporary measure rather than permanent freedom, could be interpr...
What began as a localized movement over the price of flour and electricity has transformed intoone of the most significant constitutional crises in the history of Pakistan-occupied Jammu andKashmir (PoJK). The summer of 2026 has seen the region engulfed in strikes, violent clashes,and a sweeping government crackdown.At the heart of the current turmoil is a profound shift in public mobilization: the Joint AwamiAction Committee (JAAC), once focused purely on economic relief, is now challenging the veryfoundations of how the region is governed by Islamabad.The Dispute Over the "Diaspora" SeatsThe immediate catalyst for the summer's escalation is the controversy surrounding 12 reservedseats in the 53-member Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly.Under the AJK Interim Constitution of...
Author Dr. Mohit Sharma
Punjab today faces an evolving security challenge that bears little resemblance to conventional cross-border threats. Instead, it is shaped by a convergence of digital recruitment, organised crime, narcotics trafficking, and cross-border facilitation networks operating with minimal visibility but significant reach.
Recent investigations and enforcement actions have pointed towards hybrid criminal ecosystems allegedly coordinated by Pakistan-based handlers, including individuals such as Shahzad Bhatti and Ajmal Gujjar. Rather than relying on direct infiltration, these networks are reported to exploit internal vulnerabilities by combining online recruitment with illicit supply chains and local criminal infrastructure.
Punjab's strategic location along the Ind...
At the time of writing, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) is on boil. Once again, serious unrest has had with authorities launching a widespread crackdown on protesters and opposition leaders, with sharp accusations of the government's use of excessive force. Internet services have been suspended across much of the territory, effectively isolating the region, while the administration has reportedly sought up to 14,000 additional personnel from the Federal Government.
The deteriorating situation has prompted local authorities to discourage tourism between June 5 and June 20. The United States Embassy in Islamabad has also advised its citizens in PoJK to exercise caution.
The latest violence erupted on June 7, 2026, when clashes between Security Forces (SFs) and supporters of ...