ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has intensified political consultations to help resolve the ongoing crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), holding separate meetings with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai, and former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.The meetings were held against the backdrop of the deteriorating situation in AJK and the mediation offer extended by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Discussions focused on the current situation in AJK, the ongoing protests, the deadlock between the government and the Joint Action Committee, and possible steps towards a peaceful resolution.
Following the meetings, the leaders addressed separate joint media interactions and appreciated Hafiz Naeemur Rehman’s efforts to bring political stakeholders together to address the crisis. The JI delegation comprised Vice Ameer Mian Aslam, JI AJK Ameer Dr Mushtaq Khan, JI Islamabad Ameer Nasrullah Randhawa and Secretary Information Shakil Ahmed Turabi.
The PTI delegation included former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, former AJK Prime Minister Abdul Qayyum Niazi and former AJK Assembly Speaker Khawaja Farooq. The delegation accompanying Opposition Leader Mahmood Achakzai included Pakistan Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen leaders Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar and the alliance’s spokesperson, Akhundzada Hussain Yousafzai.
Speaking alongside Barrister Gohar and Asad Qaiser, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said the entire country was deeply concerned over the situation in AJK, adding that the Kashmir issue was linked to Pakistan’s 80-year-old national cause and must not be allowed to suffer any damage. He said AJK was currently completely shut down and that enough blood had already been spilled. “We do not want to say or do anything that further intensifies the conflict,” he added.
Naeemur Rehman said there were two possible approaches: one was to allow the situation to worsen, while the other was for responsible leadership to step forward and “pour water on the fire”. He said JI had decided to play its role in resolving the crisis and that this was not about taking political credit. “The government should also move forward in this regard. If the situation reaches a point of no return, it will cause serious damage,” he warned.
The JI chief said the party had formed a committee to engage with the Joint Action Committee, while he would also continue consultations with the prime minister and the national leadership to help restore normalcy. He stressed that while the government and protesters might have different positions, the root causes of public anger must also be addressed. “People become frustrated when their public mandate is not respected,” he said. He also urged the government to immediately restore the supply of essential goods to AJK, saying several trucks carrying necessities were awaiting clearance. He reiterated that the people of Pakistan stand with the youth of Kashmir.
Barrister Gohar welcomed Hafiz Naeemur Rehman and his delegation, saying all political forces agreed that the Kashmir cause should not suffer. He stressed the need to restore the supply of essential commodities and said the opposition parties would work together to improve the situation through political and public engagement.
After his meeting with Mahmood Achakzai, the JI chief said peace must be given an opportunity, warning that failure to resolve the matter could create divisions that might become difficult to bridge. He said JI’s offer of mediation could only succeed if both sides agreed to it. “Any dialogue will take place within Pakistan’s constitutional and national framework,” he said. Mahmood Khan Achakzai said the Constitution provides the right to protest, but a gap had developed between the government and the JAAC. “We need to understand why the people of Kashmir reached this point,” he said.
Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said the entire country was worried about the situation in AJK and appreciated JI’s efforts. He warned that further deterioration could also affect Pakistan’s position at the international level.
During his meeting with former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said JI had begun consultations with senior politicians, the government and other stakeholders to find a peaceful solution to the crisis. He said the purpose of meeting Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was to seek support from the national leadership to reduce tensions and improve the situation in AJK.
Abbasi welcomed the JI Ameer and his delegation. He appreciated the efforts being made towards a peaceful resolution and assured them of his cooperation in the process.
