our corresondent ISLAMABAD: In a significant political development, Jui-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman held a high-level meeting on Sunday to discuss the worsening situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Speaking to the media at the JUI-F chief's residence, both leaders jointly stressed that dialogue and reconciliation are the only viable paths forward, warning the government that any use of force or heavy-handed tactics would plunge the region into further instability. Expressing deep concern over the current volatile situation in AJK, JI Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman criticized the administration for mishandling the crisis. "The issue of Kashmir is highly sensitive. For 80 years, we have maintained a steadfast national stance. However, the government’s short-sighted policies have deteriorated the situation," the JI Chief remarked. He emphasized that while negotiations must take place within the framework of the Constitution of Pakistan, the government must take the first step. "We are waiting for a clear response from the government. It needs to come forward and initiate talks. We cannot afford to alienate the base camp of the Kashmir freedom movement," he added. Hafiz Naeem also appealed to the local public and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in AJK to refrain from actions that could aggravate the situation or be exploited by enemies of the state. He urged all stakeholders to utilize the influence of political and religious leaders who are capable of playing an effective mediation role. Addressing the media, JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman revealed that he had already been approached by stakeholders, including former Kashmiri minister Mushaal Hussein Malik. "Mushaal Malik contacted me, deeply concerned about how the current chaos would impact her husband, Yasin Malik, who has spent his entire life imprisoned for Kashmir’s freedom," Fazl shared. He reminded the nation that Kashmiris have always marched under the Pakistani flag, and their martyrs are shrouded in it. "We must act with wisdom, not emotion. Relying solely on state power to suppress issues will only worsen the crisis." Maulana Fazlur Rehman noted that a large delegation from the Joint Action Committee had previously visited him with an official letter, prompting him to offer his services as a mediator. He had advised them to postpone their sit-in, which they partially complied with by halting further escalations. However, the JUI-F chief pointed out a major contradiction in the government's current policy: The government claims it has accepted the public's demands. Simultaneously, the government has declared the Action Committee a banned entity. "The government must clarify its stance immediately so that we can play our role. If elections are to be held in AJK, the government and the Election Commission must ensure a peaceful and conducive environment," Maulana Fazl stated. In an informal chat with journalists following the press conference, Maulana Fazlur Rehman reiterated that peace in Kashmir is directly tied to national security. He called upon all political forces in Pakistan to unite under a single banner, demonstrate maximum restraint, and pave the way for a peaceful, negotiated settlement to the AJK crisis.