People of Azad Kashmir Must Not Be Misled by Mischievous Elements & Fall Prey to Destabilization Campaigns
Syed Faiz Naqshbandi
The people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir have always demonstrated political maturity, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to the Kashmir cause. Their sacrifices, resilience, and longstanding contributions to the freedom movement remain a matter of pride for the entire nation. However, in recent times, certain mischievous and politically motivated elements have attempted to mislead the public and create unrest by exploiting genuine governance concerns for vested interests.
There is no doubt that the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir remains constitutionally and morally bound to ensure basic rights, public welfare, and good governance. Addressing public grievances through democratic and administrative reforms is an essential responsibility of any government. However, governance-related concerns cannot justify violent agitation, destruction of public property, disruption of civic life, or actions that endanger the lives, dignity, honour, and economic stability of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The Federal Government of Pakistan has already demonstrated extraordinary flexibility and seriousness in addressing the concerns raised by the banned JAAC. Out of 38 demands, 35 points have been accepted and implemented, clearly reflecting its sincere commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue, constitutional means, and peaceful engagement. This proves that the government has neither ignored public concerns nor adopted a confrontational posture, but has consistently shown patience, political wisdom, and willingness to reach an amicable settlement in the larger interest of Azad Kashmir and national stability.
The issue concerning the abolition of 12 refugee seats is fundamentally a constitutional and legal matter that must be resolved through democratic institutions, particularly on the floor of the Assembly. Such matters cannot be settled through pressure tactics, street agitation, or attempts to paralyze state institutions. It is also important to understand that if these refugee seats are abolished, it can be exploited by India to hurt the sentiments of the people in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and damage the broader freedom movement.
Unfortunately, some elements under the banner of JAAC are deliberately presenting constitutional matters as political oppression to provoke instability and public anger. Their conduct indicates a lack of interest in democratic participation or any meaningful dialogue. Their repeated rejection of engagement raises serious questions about their intentions and objectives.
The people of Azad Kashmir must remain vigilant, as chaos and disorder only weaken the Kashmir cause at the international level. At a time when the people of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir continue to face repression, unlawful detentions, and political victimization, attempts to create instability in Azad Kashmir directly serve hostile interests.
There are also growing indications that external forces, particularly India, are attempting to exploit internal differences to destabilize Azad Kashmir and damage the historic unity between Pakistan and the people of Kashmir. India has consistently tried to divert international attention from its grave human rights violations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir by encouraging / sponsoring unrest in Azad Kashmir.
The people of Azad Kashmir must not allow themselves to become instruments of such conspiracies. Political disagreements must always be addressed peacefully, constitutionally, and democratically. Violence, agitation, and engineered instability can never serve the interests of the Kashmiri people.
It must also be emphasized that the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir is responsible for providing basic rights and good governance to its people. However, governance issues must be resolved through dialogue and institutional processes, not through actions that damage public property or harm the longstanding contributions, dignity, and honour of the people of the region.
The history of the Kashmir freedom movement is a story of immense sacrifices for dignity and self-determination. At this critical juncture, internal instability, institutional confrontation, and politically engineered chaos only weaken the collective national position on Kashmir. Those exploiting public emotions for narrow gains are, knowingly or unknowingly, undermining the larger interests of the Kashmiri people.
No democratic society can progress through continuous agitation. Sustainable solutions emerge through constitutional dialogue, parliamentary engagement, and political unity. The need of the hour is patience, stability, and constructive engagement.
Pakistan has always stood firmly beside the people of Kashmir politically, diplomatically, and morally. Its continued efforts reflect a commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in Azad Kashmir. It is therefore the collective responsibility of the people to reject vicious plans of harming law and order, stability, divisive politics, and to protect democratic institutions, and remain united for the Kashmir cause.
The author is legal expert and senior leader of APHC, can be reached at faiz.naqshbandi@gmail.com
Note: The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Kashmir Media Service.
