ISLAMABAD: JUI chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has welcomed the decision of the Awami Action Committee to postpone its planned march towards Muzaffarabad.
Addressing the National Assembly, the JUI-F chief said he had responded to the committee’s letter via video message and had also informed the government. He questioned the state’s response to speeches, asking how action based on rhetoric could be justified.
Fazlur Rehman remarked that Pakistan had long raised its voice for human rights in Indian-administered Kashmir, but questioned the current domestic approach.
He also criticized statements made by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, saying such remarks could escalate tensions and should not have been made in an official capacity. He added that while the government was gaining recognition internationally for promoting peace, it was losing credibility at home.
The JUI-F chief warned against pushing the opposition, highlighting the party’s large public gathering in Charsadda and challenging the ruling party to match such mobilization.
He further stated that the military should remain focused on border duties rather than internal matters, while reiterating respect for state institutions. However, he cautioned that any alleged interference in elections or politics would be met with a response.
Meanwhile, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah said that Kashmir remains Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and welcomed any mediation efforts.
He outlined that the Joint Action Committee had presented 38 demands, after which the prime minister formed a committee and held negotiations in Muzaffarabad.
According to him, several demands were accepted, including relief in electricity prices and a wheat subsidy of Rs2,000.
Rana Sanaullah added that a six-member committee was formed regarding the issue of refugee seats, but the Joint Action Committee boycotted it. He also claimed that the call for protests by youth was aimed at disrupting elections.
