MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly on Friday congratulated Pakistan on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for a two-year term beginning January 1, and urged Islamabad to develop a unified and priority-based strategy for resolving the longstanding Kashmir issue in consultation with the Kashmiri leadership.

The appeal was made through a unanimously adopted resolution, tabled by former prime minister and PML-N leader Raja Farooq Haider.

The resolution highlighted Pakistan’s election to the UNSC with record votes as a testament to its restored international credibility and an opportunity to play a vital role in addressing global issues.

In his speech, Mr Haider highlighted the need for unanimous measures to implement the UN resolution of August 13, 1948, which he said encompassed all options for settlement of the Kashmir issue, leaving no room for ideological or intellectual confusion.

Underscoring Pakistan’s historical support for global self-determination movements, Mr Haider maintained that all political parties in Pakistan were essential and respectable for Kashmiris.

He also discreetly expressed concerns over the prevailing situation in AJK.

“Today, we have lost our direction, and our youth are adrift. Instead of focusing on our goal of marching toward the Line of Control (LoC), we have become entangled in other issues, and ideological confusion is increasing, further diverting attention from our shared goals.”

Mr Haider pointed out that the Parliamentary Kashmir Committee had no role in foreign policy formulation, and urged Pakistan’s foreign minister to visit Muzaffarabad, engage with lawmakers, and align international policies with the Kashmir cause.

Law minister Mian Waheed endorsed Mr Haider’s submissions and on his suggestion the house unanimously approved the resolution.

Earlier, the Assembly approved the law minister’s motion to establish standing committees for 15 government departments, ending a hiatus of over 20 months.

However, the formation of the Public Accounts, Privileges, and Promises committees remained pending.

Health Minister Nisar Ansar Abdali informed the house that the Pediatric Ward at Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Hospital in Muzaffarabad had been renamed in honor of the Mother of the Nation, Ms Fatima Jinnah, following government approval.

The session was later adjourned by the chair until January 2.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2024