Pakistan's leadership remains committed to resolving issues through dialogue and negotiations while firmly supporting the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination, security sources said during an important briefing on Kashmir and the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Discussing the historical significance of the Kashmir dispute, the security sources described Kashmir as an unfinished part of Pakistan's national narrative and said the issue remained central to the country's foreign and security policy.
They noted that the 1948 war was fought jointly by the Pakistan Army, Kashmiri people and tribal volunteers, adding that five wars had been fought over Kashmir since the creation of Pakistan.
According to the security sources, slogans such as "Kashmir will become Pakistan" and "We are Pakistanis and Pakistan is ours" reflected the sentiments shared by many Pakistanis and Kashmiris regarding the disputed territory.
The security sources said economic development projects and subsidies introduced by India in Indian-administered Kashmir could not alter the aspirations of Kashmiris seeking the right to self-determination.
They also alleged that efforts to change the demographic composition of the territory and legal measures introduced by India could not negate the internationally recognised right of self-determination of the Kashmiri people.
The security sources described Indian-administered Kashmir as one of the most heavily militarised regions in the world and claimed that despite political and security pressures, the people of the Kashmir Valley remained united in their political aspirations.
"India does not have a solution to the Kashmir issue," the security sources said.
AJK unrest
Turning to recent developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the security sources alleged that India was attempting to divert attention from its policies in Indian-administered Kashmir by creating instability in AJK.
According to the security sources, the motives behind what they described as a so-called rights movement had become increasingly apparent over time.
They said Pakistan's leadership had consistently preferred dialogue and negotiations as the primary means of resolving disputes and claimed that discussions had continued for nearly two years with various stakeholders in Kashmir.
The security sources said facilities and concessions sought during negotiations had been provided where possible and maintained that both the governments of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir had adopted a democratic approach in dealing with public grievances.
According to the security sources, the Public Action Committee initially emerged around public issues, but state institutions had identified the presence of hidden elements within the movement at an early stage.
"The state knew such elements would eventually be exposed," the security sources said.
They alleged that several individuals involved in the protests had subsequently revealed motives beyond the issues initially presented to the public.
The security sources said authorities would deal with such individuals in accordance with the law.
State will not tolerate violence
The security sources maintained that the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir had attempted to engage the Public Action Committee at every stage through dialogue and consultation.
However, they alleged that the committee later adopted a path of violence, arson and provocation despite opportunities for peaceful engagement.
According to the security sources, the group continued activities that encouraged anti-state sentiments even after legal proceedings and court decisions relating to its activities.
The security sources stressed that constitutional institutions and the right of self-determination of Kashmiris could not be overridden by any individual group or armed organisation through the use of force.
"No group can impose its decisions through violence," the security sources said.
They said the state had no ambiguity regarding its response to violence and disorder and would not permit any individual or group to challenge the writ of the state.
The security sources added that while peaceful protest and dialogue remained part of the democratic process, any attempt to pursue an external agenda under the cover of a rights movement or to challenge state authority through violence would be dealt with strictly under the law.
"The law will take its course against those who choose the path of violence and chaos," the security sources said.
Reaffirming Pakistan's position on Kashmir, the security sources said the country would continue supporting the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination while pursuing political and diplomatic efforts to resolve the longstanding dispute.
Reporter: Ahmed Mansoor