ISLAMABAD: Political leaders of different political parties from Azad on Saturday accused the banned Action Committee of pursuing a hidden political agenda under the guise of public rights activism and attempting to undermine the longstanding bond between the people of Kashmir and Pakistan.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Islamabad, former AK prime minister Sardar Atiq Ahmed Khan, Pakistan Muslim League-N AK President Shah Ghulam Qadir, Pakistan Peoples Party AK President Nabeela Ayub, and other leaders strongly condemned what they described as anti-state activities and efforts to incite unrest.
Sardar Atiq said the people of Azad Kashmir remain deeply patriotic and firmly committed to Pakistan. He alleged that certain elements were trying to provoke Kashmiris against the Pakistani state and its institutions.
He called for the harshest possible punishment for anyone advocating mutiny within the armed forces.
“The people of Azad Kashmir will never support attempts to create divisions between Kashmir and Pakistan,” he said.
Atiq warned that ongoing tensions were fueling public anxiety. He said the Pakistani government had exercised restraint but stressed that those involved in criminal activities would face the law.
He described the Pakistan Army as a highly disciplined institution and said the people of Kashmir had rejected groups seeking to spread chaos and instability.
“The relationship between Kashmiris and the Pakistan Army is rooted in history and trust. It predates the creation of Pakistan itself,” he said.
Atiq said Pakistan had entrusted Kashmiris with responsibilities in some of the country’s most sensitive regions, reflecting confidence in their loyalty and commitment.
He also praised the armed forces for their role in safeguarding national and regional security, including the defense of Islam’s holiest sites.
Addressing economic issues, Atiq rejected claims that Pakistan’s economy was weak. He argued that Pakistan’s strategic importance continued to command international recognition.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s role in regional diplomacy and conflict de-escalation efforts.
Shah Ghulam Qadir said the government had provided subsidized flour and electricity to the people of Azad Kashmir at rates lower than those available in Pakistan.
He accused the banned Joint Awami Action Committee of attempting to foment disorder and unrest.
“More than 99 percent of the people of Kashmir stand with Pakistan,” Qadir said.
He also condemned reported attempts to encourage Kashmiri personnel serving in the armed forces to rebel against the state.
Nabeela Ayub said members of the armed forces were guardians of the country’s borders and national security.
She warned that the state would show no leniency toward individuals calling for rebellion or promoting anti-state narratives.
“Only a small number of people are pursuing an anti-Pakistan agenda. They do not represent the people of Kashmir,” she said.
During the press conference, the leaders also presented video footage that they said showed members of the banned Action Committee engaging in violence against security personnel and promoting anti-state rhetoric.
They said the footage exposed what they described as the group’s true intentions and called for legal action against those responsible for incitement and violence.
