Pakistan-administered Kashmir (Azad Kashmir) – Former Prime Minister Sardar Atiq Khan has publicly addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the peace march led by Raja Saqib Majeed, clarifying his reasons for leaving the Muslim Conference and joining the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N).
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In a statement released to the media, Sardar Atiq Khan described the peace march as a personal initiative by Raja Saqib Majeed, which, according to him, violated party discipline. He noted that the decision was not endorsed by the party leadership, and subsequent inquiries into the matter prompted his departure from the Muslim Conference.
“The peace march was announced as a party activity by Raja Saqib Majeed, but it violated organizational rules. Following the internal review, I made the decision to leave the Muslim Conference and align with PML-N,” Sardar Atiq stated.
Allegations and Public Backlash
The Joint People’s Action Committee has criticized the march, alleging that participants, with support from Raja Saqib Majeed and his associates, collaborated with state forces, leading to open firing on peaceful demonstrators. This reportedly resulted in loss of lives and heightened tensions across Azad Kashmir.
The Action Committee has also labeled the Muslim Conference as a terrorist organization and called for a ban, citing the violent outcome of the event.
Analysts Interpret Khan’s Statement
Political observers suggest that Sardar Atiq Khan’s public remarks may be an attempt to mitigate public pressure on the Muslim Conference, while also clarifying his position and distancing himself from the incident. His statement is viewed as an effort to address public concerns and restore credibility amid rising political tensions.
Context and Implications
The controversy highlights deep political divisions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with multiple parties and committees involved in mobilizing public opinion. Analysts note that such incidents can significantly impact party credibility and public trust, emphasizing the importance of discipline, accountability, and transparent leadership within political organizations.
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