Dialogue only solution to AJK crisis, govt should avoid use of force: JI chief

ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Monday said that meaningful negotiations were the only solution to the ongoing situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), urging the government to avoid the use of force and immediately engage with the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

On June 5, the JAAC was declared a proscribed organisation by the regional government and placed under the First Schedule of the region’s anti-terrorism act (ATA).

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Rehman said JI had accepted the responsibility of mediation and was playing its role in restoring trust between the government and the committee to prevent “bloodshed and unrest”.

JI AJK Emir Dr Mushtaq Khan, former AJK emir Dr Khalid Mahmood, JI Deputy Secretary General Syed Farasat Shah and Islamabad Emir Nasrullah Randhawa were also present on the occasion.

“JAAC has expressed complete confidence in Jamaat-i-Islami and postponed its long march, sending a positive message,” he said.

He urged the government to also act with seriousness and begin negotiations to resolve the legitimate demands of the people.

“The AJK situation should not be allowed to reach a point where India could exploit it for propaganda against Pakistan and the Kashmir cause,” the JI emir said.

“Jamaat-i-Islami’s mediation with the JAAC is within the constitutional and national framework of Pakistan and the Kashmir issue. As long as this framework remains intact, every possible effort will be made to resolve the matter,” he added.

Rejecting the impression that the situation had reached a “point of no return,” Rehman said the door for negotiations was still open.

“We do not agree with the government’s position that the situation has gone beyond control. Dialogue is still possible, and Jamaat-e-Islami is ready to play its role.”

He said JI had been trying from the very beginning to ensure a peaceful resolution of the AJK issue. Following the acceptance of its mediation offer, the party leadership decided to accelerate reconciliation efforts.

He added that JI leaders in AJK had remained in contact with different stakeholders.

“Dr Mahmood held several meetings with JAAC representatives, during which the committee expressed confidence in Jamaat-i-Islami’s efforts and also shared details of its demands,” he said.

Rehman said violence, bloodshed and the use of state force could not be supported under any circumstances. “No message should go out from AJK that benefits Pakistan’s enemies,” he said.

He said India was already committing serious human rights violations in occupied Kashmir through killings, use of pellet guns and imprisonment of the Kashmiri leadership.

“Pakistan should not make any mistake on the internal front that gives the enemy a diplomatic advantage,” JI leader added.

Clarifying JI’s position, Rehman said the party was not engaged in political point-scoring. “Our priority is Pakistan, Kashmir and the Kashmir cause.”

The JI chief said public confidence in AJK’s political leadership had weakened due to repeated changes in political loyalties, power politics and vested interests, which had harmed the democratic process and contributed to public protests.

He cautioned against elements trying to exploit the situation and appealed to AJK youth not to become part of any anti-Pakistan narrative. “Pakistan is the country of Kashmiris, and its educational institutions, offices and resources are open to them. They should avoid falling into the hands of the enemy,” he said.

The JI emir also urged the federal government, relevant institutions and authorities to avoid any steps that could create hatred, unrest or instability. He also demanded that the Punjab and federal governments ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential goods to AJK, saying restrictions would only increase difficulties for ordinary citizens.

Regarding his expected meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rehman said he wanted to meet the premier and, if contacted by the government, JI would not seek anything for itself.

“Instead, it will present national issues, including a peaceful solution to the Kashmir situation, resolution of public grievances, reduction in petroleum levy, lower electricity and gas prices, action against IPPs, employment and education opportunities for youth, and relief from IMF-related pressures.”

On AJK elections, he said they should be held on time. However, if negotiations succeeded and normalcy returned, the elections would take place in a more peaceful and acceptable environment; otherwise, questions could be raised over their outcome.

He said the AJK government must also play its role in the negotiation process. Although public confidence in it had been affected, it remained the constitutional government, and any final agreement would involve it along with the federal government.

Responding to questions about strong statements by some JAAC leaders, Rehman said JI had made it clear that any anti-Pakistan or unacceptable narrative would not be tolerated.

He added that Dr Mahmood had conveyed the same message to the JAAC leadership, and a positive change had been witnessed in their tone and position.

The JI emir also criticised the Kashmir Committee, saying it had failed in the past and present to play an effective role in accordance with the requirements of the Kashmir issue. However, he welcomed any effort by the committee to consult JI.

Calling for broader democratic reforms, he stressed the need for “proportional representation, an independent election commission and a modern electoral system in both Pakistan and AJK to restore public trust in democracy”. ...