JI Shoora Calls on Govt to Prioritize Kashmir, Palestine in Foreign Policy

JI Shoora Calls on Govt to Prioritize Kashmir, Palestine in Foreign Policy

LAHORE, July 17: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan's Majlise Shoora has urged the government to place the Kashmir and Palestine issues at the top of foreign policy agenda, initiate immediate dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), launch an effective diplomatic campaign against Indian human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and Israel's military offensive in Gaza, and play an active role in promoting Muslim unity and establishing an independent regional security framework.
In two different resolutions adopted during its meeting at Mansoorah, Lahore, the Shoora declared that Pakistan's national security, the resolution of the Kashmir dispute, the freedom of the Palestinian people and the unity of the Muslim world are closely interconnected and must not be compromised.
The resolutions warned that the political and administrative crisis in AJK could adversely affect not only the people of the region but also Pakistan's national interests and the international case for Kashmir. The Shoora called on the governments of Pakistan and AJK, the Joint Public Action Committee, and all political, religious and social stakeholders to immediately begin dialogue, confidence-building measures and consultations to restore stability. It also expressed sorrow over the recent loss of lives and demanded an independent, transparent investigation to identify those responsible and ensure justice for the affected families.
The Shoora said repeated changes of government, political instability and interference in the democratic process had eroded public confidence in AJK. It called for respect for the Constitution, public mandate and elected institutions, while urging the government to implement electoral reforms, ensure transparent elections, strengthen local governments, improve governance and judicial reforms, enhance healthcare and education, enable local communities to benefit from hydropower resources, improve the representation of Jammu and Kashmir refugees, and address other public welfare issues.
Regarding IOK, the Central Shoora strongly condemned India's continued human rights violations, the detention of Hurriyat leaders and political activists, demographic changes, and all unilateral constitutional measures taken since August 5, 2019, describing them as blatant violations of United Nations resolutions and international law. It reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized disputed territory and that its final status can only be determined through the Kashmiri people's internationally recognized right to self-determination.
The Shoora urged the Government to raise the Kashmir issue vigorously at every diplomatic, political, legal and international forum. It also called on the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), international human rights organisations and other global institutions to send an independent fact-finding mission to IOK to investigate human rights abuses, enforced disappearances and the condition of political prisoners. It demanded the immediate release of Hurriyat leaders, including Yasin Malik, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Masarat Alam Bhat, Dr Ghulam Muhammad Khan, Dr Qasim and other political detainees.
On Palestine, the Shoora expressed grave concern over Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza, the large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the worsening humanitarian crisis marked by severe shortages of food, clean water and medicines. It called for an immediate end to the Israeli blockade, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the prompt commencement of reconstruction efforts and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The resolution rejected Pakistan's reported participation in the proposed "Board of Peace," saying that no arrangement concerning Gaza would be acceptable without the consent of the Palestinian people. It reaffirmed support for the Palestinians' right to resist occupation, called for continued backing of cases against Israel before the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, and urged Pakistan to work with the OIC and other Muslim countries to formulate a united and effective diplomatic strategy on Palestine.
The Central Shoora also condemned what it described as US and Israeli aggression against Iran, saying the recent conflict had altered the regional balance of power. It stressed that Muslim countries should reduce dependence on external powers and instead strengthen mutual cooperation, self-reliance and a joint regional security framework. The resolution called for enhanced cooperation among Pakistan, Türkiye, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt, while urging Muslim nations to reject sectarian divisions and adopt a united position on Palestine, Kashmir and other issues affecting the Muslim world.
Reaffirming its commitment to the people of Kashmir and Palestine, the Central Shoora said Pakistan must continue extending political, diplomatic and moral support to both causes and pursue a clear, active and principled foreign policy to promote justice, peace and lasting stability in the region.