Dialogue urged with Poonch protesters to resolve unrest

Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider has called for talks with Poonch protesters, urging newly elected President Dr Najeeb Naqi and Prime Minister Iftikhar Gillani to meet with them and comprehend their demands. Expressing worry over the circumstances in the region, Mr Haider highlighted Poonch as the epicenter of the freedom movement and reminded the protesters that the current system could unravel.

He cautioned the demonstrators that failure to engage in dialogue might lead to the collapse of the system.

Mr Haider also appealed to national security agencies and officials to contribute to resolving the situation, underlining that the AJK Legislative Assembly would lack representation from Poonch unless addressed. He emphasized that the effectiveness of Dr Gillani's 100-day plan would determine the outcome. He further stated that Mr Gillani had been consulted on the matter, and he was optimistic about positive changes.

Regarding Dr Naqi, Mr Haider praised him as a prominent political figure from Poonch, expressing confidence that under him, the presidency would play a significant role in finding resolutions. As for why senior political figures had not stepped in to resolve the crisis, Mr Haider claimed that they currently lacked the mandate for dialogue, as political parties had been sidelined.

He mentioned that the 12 seats reserved for Jammu and Kashmir refugees were in line with UNSC resolutions and that Pakistan was legally obligated to protect them.

When asked if Azad Jammu and Kashmir could be transformed into a province, Mr Haider suggested that Pakistan would need to withdraw the Kashmir case from the United Nations.