Hafiz Naeem, Fazl call for talks on Azad Kashmir situation

Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman met JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday and discussed the situation in Azad Kashmir.

The Jamaat-e-Islami delegation included Deputy Ameer Mian Muhammad Aslam, Jamaat-e-Islami Azad Kashmir chief Dr. Muhammad Mushtaq Khan and Information Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Turabi.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Hafiz Naeem said the situation in Azad Kashmir was disturbing and required serious attention.

He said Kashmir was a sensitive issue and the people had remained stuck in one position for 80 years.

Hafiz Naeem said the government had acted recklessly and worsened the situation.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman thanked Hafiz Naeem for visiting him and said Mashal Malik had first contacted him over the matter.

He said Mashal Malik’s husband, Yasin Malik, had spent his life for the freedom of Kashmir.

Fazl said Kashmiris had carried out their movements under the flag of Pakistan and their funerals were wrapped in the Pakistani flag.

He said the issue should be handled with reason and wisdom instead of emotions.

The JUI-F chief said a large delegation of Kashmiri leaders had also met him and brought a letter from the Joint Action Committee.

He said he had expressed his willingness to play a role and asked for time.

Fazl said he had suggested postponing the sit-in, adding that the protest continued but no further step was taken.

He said he had also spoken on the issue in the Assembly.

The JUI-F chief said the government was consulting on the matter and political leaders would wait for its position.

He said the government should clarify its stance so that other political forces could play a role.

Fazl said decisions based on force should be avoided.

“I am ready to hold talks with the government for Kashmir,” he said.