Protection of Human Lives Must Remain the Top Priority, Kashmiri Leader Emphasizes
Islamabad (City Reporter)
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party leader Sardar Asad Ibrahim Khan has called for an immediate and peaceful resolution to the ongoing political and public crisis in Azad Kashmir, stating that human life is the most precious asset and that efforts aimed at addressing public issues should not be allowed to escalate into confrontation.
Addressing a press conference at the National Press Club Islamabad alongside Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party Central President Syed Fazal Karim Advocate and Central Information Secretary Sardar Naveed Hayat Khan, Sardar Asad Ibrahim said that the current situation in Azad Kashmir is deeply concerning and could have implications not only for the region but also for the broader Kashmir issue.
He stated that the politics of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party represent the continuation of the vision and struggle of the founder of Azad Kashmir, Ghazi-e-Millat Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, and Sardar Khalid Ibrahim Khan. He recalled that on July 19, 1947, the Resolution of Accession to Pakistan was adopted at the residence of Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan in Srinagar, which played a defining role in shaping the political direction of the Kashmiri people.
Sardar Asad Ibrahim said that the movement launched by the Public Action Committee initially focused on demands related to flour, electricity, and other basic rights. However, due to the government’s failure to address the issues seriously, the situation gradually became more complicated.
He noted that the government had previously entered into agreements with the Action Committee but later began labeling the same elements as banned organizations and terrorists, which he described as an unfortunate approach.
He said that if any individual has violated the law, legal action should be taken accordingly. However, he argued that it is inappropriate to classify all those participating in public rights movements as terrorists. According to him, such actions could create misunderstandings between the people of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir and provide opportunities for hostile forces to exploit the situation.
Sardar Asad Ibrahim emphasized that the primary responsibility for resolving the current crisis rests with the Government of Azad Kashmir. He expressed concern that political instability, frequent changes in government, and irresponsible political conduct over the past several years have weakened public confidence.
He further stated that the relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir is based on historical, ideological, and emotional foundations and must not be harmed under any circumstances. He also voiced concern over statements made by certain circles that, in his view, raise questions regarding the constitutional status of Azad Kashmir and the international position on the Kashmir dispute.
Speaking at the press conference, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party Central President Syed Fazal Karim Advocate said that reports of food shortages and disruptions in the supply of essential commodities in District Poonch and other areas are alarming. He urged the government to take immediate steps to address the difficulties being faced by the public.
He stated that adopting an anti-Pakistan narrative in the name of a public rights movement is condemnable, while at the same time the use of force and confrontation is also not a solution to the problem. He stressed that all stakeholders should demonstrate patience, restraint, and seriousness and seek a resolution through dialogue and negotiations.
The leaders of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Party expressed hope that negotiations between the government and the relevant parties in the coming days would lead to a peaceful resolution of the crisis, enabling normal life to resume in Azad Kashmir and preventing further hardship for the people.