MUZAFFARABAD: An All Parties Conference (APC) held in Muzaffarabad on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming support for democratic continuity, constitutional processes and institutional stability in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore at the Prime Minister’s House, brought together leaders of major political and religious parties to discuss the region’s political situation, constitutional matters and public issues ahead of the upcoming legislative assembly elections.
According to the resolution, participants stressed that democratic continuity and constitutional governance remain essential for stability in AJK. The conference also reaffirmed support for holding the next general elections in accordance with the constitution and legal framework within the prescribed timeframe.
The APC was attended by leaders from several political parties, including Pakistan Muslim League’s Shah Ghulam Qadir, Pakistan Peoples Party’s Chaudhry Yasin, Muslim Conference leader Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, former Prime Minister Sardar Farooq Haider Khan, former President Sardar Yaqoob Khan, former Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, Ahmed Raza Qadri, Maulana Saeed Yousaf, Yasar Abbas Naqvi and Dr Ilyas, among others.
Support for Kashmir cause reaffirmed
The conference reiterated its support for the right of self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Participants pledged continued political, diplomatic and moral support for the people of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and strongly condemned what they described as human rights violations and restrictions on political freedoms in the territory.
The resolution also criticized efforts to alter the demographic composition of Indian-administered Kashmir and called for the release of detained Kashmiri political leaders and activists.
Commitment to democratic institutions
Participants agreed that political differences should be addressed through democratic and constitutional mechanisms and emphasized the importance of strengthening democratic institutions.
The conference urged political, social and public stakeholders to promote dialogue, tolerance and peaceful political engagement, stating that responsible political conduct was necessary for long-term stability in the region.
The resolution further stated that attempts to weaken democratic institutions or undermine constitutional processes would not be accepted.
Elections to be held on schedule
The APC declared that elections for the AJK Legislative Assembly would be conducted on time in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Participants pledged support for free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections and called for all necessary administrative, legal and security measures to ensure a credible electoral process.
The conference also stated that voters should be able to exercise their democratic rights without fear, pressure or interference.
Discussion on constitutional reforms
The meeting discussed issues related to the representation of Jammu and Kashmir refugees residing in Pakistan and acknowledged their historical role in the Kashmir movement.
Participants agreed that electoral and constitutional issues concerning refugee representation could be addressed through reforms carried out by the elected Legislative Assembly.
The conference emphasized that constitutional reforms fall within the mandate of elected representatives and called for a broad consultative process involving political parties, bar associations, civil society organizations and constitutional experts.
The APC concluded that political and constitutional challenges should be resolved through dialogue, democratic institutions and the rule of law, while reaffirming its commitment to democratic continuity, constitutional reform and institutional stability in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
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