Summary
- ISLAMABAD: Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan has said that rebellion against Pakistan’s armed forces is an “unforgivable crime” and called for strict punishment against those inciting hostility towards the military.
- Reaffirming his support for Pakistan’s armed forces, he described them as among the strongest institutions in the country and said the bond between Kashmir and Pakistan predates independence.
- The former AJK premier said that while civilian protection remains important, those involved in violence or attacks on state institutions should face strict legal action.
ISLAMABAD: Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan has said that rebellion against Pakistan’s armed forces is an “unforgivable crime” and called for strict punishment against those inciting hostility towards the military.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, he said recent unrest in AJK initially stemmed from legitimate economic grievances but was later diverted towards confrontation with the state. He claimed certain elements attempted to politicise the movement and undermine national institutions.
He said both the Government of Pakistan and the AJK administration showed flexibility by accepting several demands and suspending legal cases and FIRs. However, he alleged that the situation escalated beyond economic concerns into constitutional and political disputes, including issues related to the 1974 Interim Constitution and refugee voting rights.
Sardar Attique expressed regret over loss of lives during recent clashes and said violence had overtaken earlier peaceful protests. He stressed that his family’s long political tradition has always been based on non-violent struggle.
Reaffirming his support for Pakistan’s armed forces, he described them as among the strongest institutions in the country and said the bond between Kashmir and Pakistan predates independence. He added that the military has played a key role in national and regional stability.
He further stated that Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan were attained through struggle and sacrifice, and rejected what he called attempts to distort the Kashmir movement.
The former AJK premier said that while civilian protection remains important, those involved in violence or attacks on state institutions should face strict legal action. He urged authorities to differentiate between peaceful citizens and disruptive elements in order to restore order and stability in the region.
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