New York: The Kashmir Global Council (KGC), in view of the ongoing tense situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, has offered its services and diplomatic assistance to facilitate the immediate initiation of talks among the Government of Pakistan, state institutions, political leadership, public representatives and protest leadership.
The Council said that the only sustainable solution to the current crisis is not the use of force, but meaningful political dialogue, diplomacy, and constitutional and democratic mechanisms.
In a statement issued by the Council, deep concern was expressed over the violent incidents and civilian deaths reported during protests in Rawalakot, Kotla Muzaffarabad and other areas.
The statement said that the Kashmir Global Council, which is engaged internationally in diplomatic outreach on the Kashmir issue and the promotion of peace, is ready to play every possible role in building trust, facilitating dialogue and supporting a peaceful resolution of the prevailing dispute.
The Council urged the Government of Pakistan and relevant authorities to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation of the situation, refrain from the use of force and initiate immediate, serious and result-oriented political negotiations to address public demands.
The Council emphasized that differences should not be resolved through force, but through dialogue, the rule of law and democratic traditions.
The Kashmir Global Council further stated that Pakistan has consistently advocated internationally for the fundamental rights, human dignity and principles of justice concerning the people of Kashmir. It therefore stressed that these same principles must also be respected domestically, including fundamental freedoms, the rule of law and the democratic right to peaceful dissent.
The Council called for an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into the incidents that occurred in Rawalakot. It also demanded that the legal and constitutional rights of individuals arrested during peaceful protests be fully protected and that, where legally permissible, their release be considered in accordance with due process.
The Council further called for the complete restoration of communication and connectivity services in the region so that citizens can have timely access to information and normal life can return at the earliest possible opportunity.
At the conclusion of its statement, the Kashmir Global Council appealed to the international community, international human rights organizations and relevant institutions to closely monitor the situation, support efforts to establish impartial and fact-based information, and urge all stakeholders to prioritize human rights, restraint, diplomacy, dialogue and a peaceful political process under all circumstances.
