ISLAMABAD: Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Chairman Syed Qamar Raza has rejected claims made in a press release by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee, saying his contact with the group was a personal effort to prevent violence and seek a peaceful resolution.
In a clarification issued on Thursday, Raza said the committee’s statement had distorted facts by presenting speculation as established information.
The Joint Awami Action Committee was outlawed under anti-terrorism laws in June 2026 amid continuing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Raza said his outreach was motivated by concern for the region and its residents and was not carried out on behalf of any third party.
“My purpose was solely to find a peaceful solution and discourage violence,” he said.
OPF Chairman Says Most Members Responded Positively
According to Raza, most committee members responded logically and positively to the proposal for a peaceful settlement.
He alleged, however, that some individuals were attempting to use his “personal and good-faith initiative” for publicity.
Raza said he had represented the interests of overseas Pakistanis and his institution during the contact.
“The welfare of overseas Pakistanis and the resolution of their concerns remain my foremost responsibility,” he said.
Syed Qamar Raza currently serves as chairman of the Board of Governors of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation.
Peace Efforts Will Continue, Raza Says
The OPF chairman said his only mandate was his connection with the area, concern for its people and commitment to their welfare.
He maintained that efforts aimed at peace, reconciliation and public welfare would not be affected by what he described as a negative campaign.
Raza added that he would continue supporting dialogue and peaceful engagement despite criticism surrounding his contact with the committee.
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