MIRPUR: Former chairman of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Accountability Bureau Justice (Retd) Syed Mazhar Kaleem Shah has said that promoting tolerance, trust, dialogue and political wisdom was imperative for addressing the challenges being faced by Azad Jammu Kashmir.
He emphasised that all issues being confronted by the state could only be resolved through constitutional, legal, democratic and political processes.Talking to journalists at the Kashmir Press Club Mirpur on Tuesday, Justice (Retd) Shah stressed the need to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law under all circumstances.
He noted that peaceful protests and mass public movements were a legitimate part of democratic societies, but lasting and effective solutions to public issues can only be achieved through political engagement and negotiations.
He continued that the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir have deep love and affection for Pakistan, Kashmiris’ ultimate destination, and that maintaining national unity and stability within the state was a collective responsibility. He added that isolated disagreements or the actions of a few individuals should not be allowed to undermine the overall atmosphere of mutual harmony and cohesion in the region.
Referring to the issue of the 12 Pakistan-based Jammu and Kashmir refugee seats in the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Justice (Retd) Shah described it as a constitutional matter that must be addressed through constitutional mechanisms. “Such issues cannot and should not be resolved at public squares and intersections,” he remarked.
He further stated that societies progress through tolerance, mutual respect and trust, underscoring the importance of strengthening an environment of confidence and understanding. He urged political leaders to engage directly with the public and protesters, listen to their legitimate concerns and demands, and seek practical solutions through consultation and consensus.
