Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has stated that meaningful negotiations represent the sole viable solution to the ongoing crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). He called on the government to refrain from using force and to immediately initiate talks with the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (Jaac).
Press Conference in Islamabad
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Monday, Naeem confirmed that JI has taken on the responsibility of mediation, working to restore trust between the government and Jaac to prevent what he described as "bloodshed and unrest." The press conference was also attended by JI AJK chief Dr. Mushtaq Khan, former AJK chief Dr. Khalid Mahmood, JI Deputy Secretary General Syed Farasat Shah, and Islamabad chief Nasrullah Randhawa.
Jaac Expresses Confidence in JI
Naeem noted that "Jaac has expressed complete confidence in the JI and postponed its long march, sending a positive message." He urged the government to take the situation seriously and begin negotiations to address the legitimate demands of the people.
Warning Against Indian Exploitation
"The AJK situation should not reach a point where India could exploit it for propaganda against Pakistan and the Kashmir cause," the JI emir warned. He emphasized that JI's mediation with Jaac is conducted 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.
Door for Negotiations Still Open
Rejecting the impression that the situation had reached a "point of no return," Hafiz Naeem insisted that the door for negotiations remains open. A day earlier, on Sunday, the JI chief and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman jointly urged the government to resolve the AJK crisis through dialogue rather than force, warning that any action leading to bloodshed would further aggravate the situation.
Meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman
Hafiz Naeem called on Fazl at his residence in Islamabad to discuss the AJK situation. After the meeting, the two leaders addressed a joint press conference. Naeem described the developments as a cause for concern across the country, calling the issue highly sensitive.
