Federal Minister and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon has said lasting peace in South Asia cannot be achieved without resolving the Kashmir dispute, while urging all stakeholders to address remaining issues in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) through dialogue.
Speaking exclusively to Geo News and Jang during his visit to Dallas, Texas, Noon discussed the recent unrest in AJK, the demands of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), concerns among overseas Kashmiris and Pakistan’s broader position on the Kashmir dispute.
Noon urges overseas Kashmiris to assess AJK situation
Addressing concerns among overseas Kashmiris over the recent unrest and loss of lives in AJK, Noon said some aspects of the situation were being portrayed abroad in a way that, in his view, did not fully reflect conditions on the ground.
He described the developments as an internal matter and said disagreements could emerge within any community but could be resolved through engagement and political dialogue.
Noon urged overseas Kashmiris to view the situation “rationally and objectively”, stressing that Pakistan and Kashmiris shared a close relationship.
He said a new government had taken office in AJK and expressed hope that the situation would gradually improve.
Most JAAC demands accepted, says minister
Commenting on the demands raised by the JAAC, Noon said a large majority had already been accepted and that the remaining issues should be addressed through consultation.
The minister alleged that some elements were exaggerating the situation and claimed that external forces were attempting to exploit the unrest for their own interests. He did not provide specific evidence for the allegation.
Noon reiterated Pakistan’s stated position that the country stands with Kashmiris politically, morally, geographically, religiously and socially.
He also contrasted the situation in AJK with Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, where he said a large military presence remained deployed and human rights violations had been reported.
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Kashmir issue raised at UN General Assembly
Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to the United States, Noon said the premier had raised the Kashmir issue at the United Nations General Assembly.
According to Noon, Sharif presented Pakistan’s position on Kashmir before the international community. He added that renewed tensions between Pakistan and India had once again drawn international attention to the long-running dispute.
Noon said the Kashmir dispute remained central to regional peace and argued that lasting stability in South Asia would require its resolution.
AJK government formed, says Noon
Discussing the political situation in AJK, Noon said a new government had been formed, ministries had been allocated and the presidential election had taken place.
He expressed confidence that the remaining issues could now be resolved through consultation and dialogue among all stakeholders.
The minister also called for political engagement with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying political differences should be addressed through talks.
“Dialogue should take place, issues should be resolved. Dialogue is the only solution,” Noon said.
