JI Chief Urges Dialogue and Restraint to Resolve AJK Crisis

ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman emphasized on Monday that meaningful negotiations are the only viable solution to the ongoing crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). He urged the government to eschew the use of force and immediately initiate engagement with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which was recently proscribed by the regional government under the anti-terrorism act on June 5.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Rehman stated that JI has accepted the role of mediator to restore trust between the government and the committee, aiming to prevent bloodshed and civil unrest. The event was attended by JI AJK Emir Dr Mushtaq Khan, former AJK emir Dr Khalid Mahmood, Deputy Secretary General Syed Farasat Shah, and Islamabad Emir Nasrullah Randhawa.

“The JAAC has expressed full confidence in Jamaat-i-Islami and has postponed its planned long march, which serves as a positive signal,” Rehman noted, calling on the government to respond with similar seriousness by addressing the legitimate demands of the people.

The JI chief warned that instability in AJK could be exploited by India for propaganda against Pakistan and the broader Kashmir cause. He asserted that JI’s mediation remains strictly within the constitutional and national framework of Pakistan and that every effort will be made to resolve the matter within these boundaries.

Rejecting claims that the situation had reached a “point of no return,” Rehman maintained that the door for dialogue remains open. He disagreed with the government’s assessment that the situation is beyond control, reiterating JI’s readiness to facilitate a peaceful resolution.

Rehman detailed that JI leadership has been actively coordinating with stakeholders, noting that Dr Mahmood’s meetings with JAAC representatives confirmed the committee’s trust in JI’s efforts. He stressed that state force and violence are unacceptable, as any internal instability could provide a diplomatic advantage to Pakistan’s adversaries, particularly while India continues serious human rights violations in occupied Kashmir.

Clarifying the party’s stance, Rehman stated that JI is not pursuing political point-scoring, but is instead prioritizing the stability of Pakistan and the Kashmir cause. He observed that public trust in AJK’s political leadership has eroded due to shifting loyalties and vested interests, which has fueled current public protests.

He cautioned the youth of AJK against falling prey to anti-Pakistan narratives, reminding them that Pakistan’s resources and institutions are open to them. He further urged the federal government and relevant authorities to avoid actions that incite hatred or instability, specifically demanding that the federal and Punjab governments ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential goods to AJK.

Addressing a potential meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Rehman stated that JI would seek no personal gain but would instead present critical national issues. These include a peaceful resolution to the AJK situation, relief from IMF-related pressures, lower energy prices, action against IPPs, and expanded employment and education opportunities for the youth.

Regarding AJK elections, Rehman advocated for them to be held on schedule. However, he noted that a successful negotiation process would ensure the elections take place in a more peaceful and legitimate environment, whereas holding them amid unrest could lead to questioned results.

He emphasized that while public confidence has waned, the AJK government remains the constitutional authority and must be part of any final agreement. In response to inquiries regarding the rhetoric of some JAAC leaders, Rehman clarified that JI has made it clear that any anti-Pakistan narrative is intolerable, and that a positive shift in tone has already been observed following discussions.

Finally, the JI emir criticized the Kashmir Committee for its historical and current failures in managing the issue effectively, though he welcomed any future consultation. He called for comprehensive democratic reforms, including proportional representation and an independent election commission, to restore public faith in the democratic process in both Pakistan and AJK.

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