Leaders of major political and religious parties in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Wednesday unanimously adopted a comprehensive resolution at an All Parties Conference (APC) in Muzaffarabad. The resolution reaffirms support for the Kashmir freedom movement, democratic stability, and constitutional governance while rejecting the June 9 protest call.
Resolution Highlights
The conference warned that any attempt to disrupt, delay, or politicize the electoral process would be dealt with in accordance with the law to safeguard democratic continuity and public confidence. Participants reiterated their support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle for the right to self-determination in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
Condemnation of Human Rights Violations
They strongly condemned alleged human rights violations and repression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), including the detention of Hurriyat leaders and efforts to alter the region’s demographic composition.
The APC emphasized that democratic and constitutional processes remain the cornerstone of political stability in AJK. While acknowledging political differences as a natural part of democracy, participants stressed that such differences should not undermine governance, state institutions, or the constitutional framework.
Call for Political Maturity
Calling for political maturity, the conference urged all stakeholders to promote tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful democratic engagement. Participants also appreciated the role of national security institutions in maintaining stability and expressed concern over what they termed coordinated Indian propaganda campaigns aimed at creating mistrust between state institutions and the democratic system.
Timely Elections
The resolution categorically stated that elections to the AJK Legislative Assembly would be held within the constitutionally mandated timeframe. It pledged that all administrative, legal, and security measures would be taken to ensure free, fair, transparent, and peaceful polls.
Paying tribute to Jammu and Kashmir refugees in Pakistan for their sacrifices to the Kashmir cause, the conference described refugee representation as a historic and constitutional reality. It noted, however, that electoral reforms could be introduced through the Legislative Assembly with the consensus of political stakeholders.
Constitutional Reforms
On constitutional reforms, the APC maintained that such matters fall exclusively within the mandate of elected representatives. Any future amendments, it said, should be debated and finalized through a broad consultative process involving political parties, legal bodies, civil society, and constitutional experts.
The conference noted that leaders of the Public Action Committee had been invited to participate but did not join the deliberations. The resolution underscored the collective commitment of AJK’s political leadership to protect democratic institutions, uphold constitutional order, ensure timely elections, and continue advocating for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
