AJK Leaders Call for Restraint and Peace Amid Rising Unrest

MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Dr Muhammad Najeeb and Prime Minister Iftikhar Gillani urged for restraint and peace on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of the region’s historical context amid ongoing unrest. Their remarks came during a seminar organized by the Sudhan Educational Conference, commemorating the contributions of Col Khan Muhammad Khan, known as Baba-i-Poonch, and Captain Muhammad Hussain Shaheed to the freedom movement.

In his address, President Najeeb highlighted the impact of social media in distorting truths, asserting that it is crucial to integrate the sacrifices of national heroes and the history of the freedom struggle into educational curricula. Prime Minister Gillani echoed these sentiments, criticizing the irresponsible discourse prevalent on social media platforms, which often employs provocative language to garner attention.

“Did we dream of a future where our children cannot go to school and patients cannot reach hospitals?” PM Gillani questioned, reflecting on the adverse effects of the current unrest on everyday life. The leaders’ call for peace comes at a time when the region is grappling with heightened tensions that threaten the stability and well-being of its citizens.

Looking ahead, both leaders emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of dialogue and understanding to mitigate conflict. They encouraged educational institutions to play a pivotal role in promoting peace and awareness, suggesting that future seminars and discussions will be essential in addressing these pressing issues.