State stability must take precedence over elections, says Chaudhry Yasin, Senior leaders call for dialogue, consensus and postponement of polls to defuse tensions
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday called for the withdrawal of the election schedule and postponement of polls, saying the prevailing situation in the region demands political consultation, dialogue and restoration of stability before the electoral process moves forward.
The demand was made during an important press conference of the PPP AJK Core Committee attended by party president Chaudhry Yasin, former president and prime minister Sardar Yaqoob Khan, Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed, Information Secretary Javed Ayub, Javed Budhanvi, Sardar Zia-ul-Qamar, Chaudhry Qasim Majeed, Yasir Sultan and other senior leaders.
Addressing the press conference, Chaudhry Yasin said the foremost priority at present should be to safeguard the state and ensure peace and stability. He said the Kashmir issue has always remained the central focus of PPP politics and recalled the contributions of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in projecting the Kashmir cause at international forums.
He said the party had made extensive efforts over the past seven months to address public grievances, strengthen democratic institutions and ensure political stability in Azad Kashmir. However, recent developments had created a difficult situation that required prudence and collective wisdom from all stakeholders.
Referring to the recent unrest, Chaudhry Yasin said both security personnel and civilians had suffered losses, stressing that every life was precious and that further escalation must be avoided. He noted that the state was facing extraordinary circumstances and that political leadership had a responsibility to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
The PPP leader criticized the timing of the election schedule, saying it had been announced in haste and only a few days before a planned protest movement. According to him, such a decision was not conducive to maintaining political harmony and could aggravate tensions at a time when efforts were underway to find negotiated solutions.
Chaudhry Yasin said that during talks with the Public Action Committee, significant progress had been achieved and most of the committee’s demands had been accepted. He stated that 37 out of 38 demands had already been addressed through consultations and negotiations, while only one constitutional issue remained under discussion.
He maintained that alternative constitutional and legal options existed for addressing the outstanding issue and revealed that the PPP had sought a one-week extension from the Public Action Committee to continue consultations and finalize a mutually acceptable solution. However, he said, the request was not accepted.
Expressing concern over the prevailing circumstances, he said holding elections in the current environment would be difficult and urged the Election Commission to withdraw the schedule and provide additional time for dialogue among all stakeholders. He emphasized that PPP believed in democratic politics and peaceful engagement and was firmly opposed to confrontation and conflict.
Chaudhry Yasin warned that instability in Azad Kashmir could be exploited by hostile forces, particularly India, and stressed the need for national unity. He said political differences should not be allowed to undermine the larger interests of the state and the Kashmir cause.
He further observed that human lives were more important than electoral considerations and reiterated that all issues could be resolved through negotiations, political consensus and democratic processes. He also expressed concern over reports of shortages of essential commodities in some areas and said uncertainty was creating difficulties for ordinary citizens.
The PPP AJK president said the state was currently facing serious challenges and that all political forces should work together to restore normalcy and strengthen democratic institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed echoed the call for dialogue and consensus, saying that saving the state and preserving peace were the most pressing needs of the hour. He warned that Azad Kashmir could not afford further tension, confrontation or instability.
He urged all parties involved in the dispute to return to the negotiating table and seek a mutually acceptable solution through dialogue. According to him, consultation and understanding remained the only effective means of overcoming the current crisis.
Mian Abdul Waheed reaffirmed the deep and historic relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir, stating that Pakistan had always been, and would continue to remain, the destination and support system of the Kashmiri people. He said the people of Kashmir remained steadfast in their commitment and affection towards Pakistan despite ongoing challenges.
He rejected any suggestion that external forces could weaken the bond between Pakistan and Kashmir, asserting that India would never succeed in creating divisions between the two. He called upon overseas Kashmiris and Pakistanis to demonstrate unity and solidarity during the current difficult period.
The senior minister said all political parties, despite their differences, should place state interests above partisan considerations. He maintained that political leaders and citizens were united in their desire for peace, stability and prosperity and that cooperation among all stakeholders was essential for overcoming the present challenges.
Mian Abdul Waheed also supported postponement of the elections, arguing that the current circumstances were not conducive to a healthy democratic exercise. He urged all stakeholders to utilize the available time for meaningful consultations and to develop a consensus-based roadmap that would ensure peace, stability and public confidence in the democratic process.
The PPP leadership concluded the press conference by reiterating its commitment to democratic values, peaceful political engagement and the protection of state interests, while calling upon all parties to pursue dialogue and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions in Azad Kashmir.