Islamabad: Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir, Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, declared Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmir during a meeting with members of the AJK Legislative Council. He emphasized the urgent need for new strategies to protect and promote the Kashmir issue internationally following the repeal of Articles 370 and 35A. The meeting, attended by various political representatives from the AJK Assembly, focused on enhancing efforts at regional and global forums and included discussions on the significant role of the Kashmiri diaspora and youth.
According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the gathering underscored the collaboration between all provincial assemblies, including the AJK and GB Legislative Assemblies, to collectively vocalize the Kashmir cause. Ch. Latif Akbar, Speaker of AJK, highlighted the critical situation in occupied Kashmir and the necessity of a strong connection between the Parliamentary Committee and the AJK government. He advocated for a plebiscite, rather than elections, as the resolution to the Kashmir conflict, aligning with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Further contributions came from MNA Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, who suggested that the Subcommittee on Refugee address issues faced by refugees and proposed a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee in Muzaffarabad. MNA Sardar Yousif emphasized the non-partisan nature of support for the Kashmir cause and the need for the committee’s active involvement in international and regional forums.
Discussion also covered the practical aspects of support for Kashmir, with proposals for including AJK Assembly members and Hurriyat leaders in the Parliamentary Committee’s delegations to raise concerns globally. The importance of addressing the welfare and rights of Kashmiri refugees was highlighted by several members, including the need for a specific quota and better fund utilization.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on continuing robust support for the Kashmir cause and enhancing the effectiveness of all related efforts on international stages.