Avoid Any Misstep, Start Meaningful Talks’: JI Emir on AJK Situation

Avoid Any Misstep, Start Meaningful Talks’: JI Emir on AJK Situation

Islamabad, June 30: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has stressed that the prevailing situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) must be resolved through wisdom, dialogue and political engagement rather than force, warning that any wrong move could lead to bloodshed and ultimately benefit India.
He was addressing a consultative session in Islamabad with prominent personalities from Jammu and Kashmir, including intellectuals, retired diplomats, bureaucrats and representatives from various walks of life, invited to discuss the ongoing AJK situation.
The session was attended by former AJK President and diplomat Sardar Masood Ahmed Khan, JI Azad Kashmir Emir Dr Mushtaq Khan, former JI AJK Emir Abdul Rasheed Turabi, All Parties Hurriyat Conference Convener Ghulam Muhammad Safi, former diplomat Syed Ishtiaq Andrabi, Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Commission for Human Rights Dr Nazir Gilani, son of Shaheed Maqbool Butt Javed Maqbool Butt, former Vice Chancellor University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Dr Kaleem Abbasi, former AJK minister Farzana Yaqoob, former Additional Inspector General Police AJK Faheem Abbasi, former Secretary Kashmir Affairs Khawaja Saleem Bismil, Brigadier (retd) Altaf Ahmed, former Additional Secretary Syed Saleem Gardazi, Masood Raza, Dr Anees Abbasi, Shafiq Butt, Deputy Secretary General JI Pakistan Syed Farasat Shah and Central Secretary Information Shakil Ahmed Tarabi, among others.
Rehman said that in the past, consultations and demonstrations were held regarding occupied Kashmir, but it was unfortunate that today there was a need to gather for addressing the deteriorating situation in AJK.
He said JI had contacted political leaders and government officials to help resolve the crisis, adding that the purpose of the consultation was to present collective recommendations for improving the situation.
“The issue requires both immediate and long-term measures. The situation has, in many ways, reached a war-like state. Any wrong step could result in bloodshed and provide an opportunity to the enemy,” he said.
The JI chief said the state of Pakistan must not remain inactive or stuck in a state of uncertainty. He noted that the Joint Action Committee had earlier insisted on a long march but had now halted it and expressed willingness for negotiations, and the government should take advantage of this opportunity.
“We do not want to declare any party wrong; blaming each other will not lead us towards a solution,” Rehman said, stressing the need to end mistrust and resentment created by recent developments.
He said he was making efforts with a sincere commitment to resolve the matter and was not acting on behalf of any group’s mandate but in the larger national interest.
The JI emir said although all institutions were not immediately ready for talks, progress towards a solution was essential. He called for the involvement of citizens, intellectuals and national figures, assuring that Jamaat-e-Islami would continue its efforts.
Participants of the consultation appreciated Hafiz Naeem’s efforts and expressed confidence in his initiative. They said all stakeholders must demonstrate patience, restraint and responsibility to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
They said that due to the efforts of Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman and the committee formed by him, the Joint Action Committee decided not to proceed with the march and agreed to negotiations. They urged the government to immediately begin the dialogue process to avoid any major loss.
The participants warned that further deterioration of the situation could harm the Kashmir cause, while India could attempt to exploit the unrest.
The consultation urged Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman to continue his efforts and expand the process of national consultation as needed. It also called upon the government and relevant institutions to take immediate steps considering the seriousness of the situation.
The participants demanded ensuring the supply of food items and medicines in AJK, restoration of internet services and an end to public hardships.