Washingotn, DC (TW NEWS) – The Kashmir Diaspora of Washington metropolitan area expressing its profound grief and deep concern over the recent tragic events in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, particularly the reported loss of innocent lives and injuries in Rawalakot. They extend their sincere condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured.

This was stated by Sardar Zarif Khan, Sardar Shoaib Irshad, Usman Shah, Saqib javed, Hifzan yaqoob, Farooq Qureshi, Sajjid Sawar, Sardar Aftab Roshan Khan & others well-known Kashmiri American activist in a statement issued for the purpose today.

The statement says, “We unequivocally condemn the reported brutality and excessive use of force against civilians that resulted in the loss of innocent lives. No citizen exercising their right to peacefully raise concerns should be met with unnecessary or disproportionate force. The protection of human life is the foremost responsibility of every state, and we call for accountability, transparency, and justice for all those affected.”

It added that “We stand in solidarity with the people of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and affirm that every citizen has the fundamental right to peacefully express concerns and seek the protection of their basic rights. Public grievances should never be ignored. They deserve to be addressed through sincere engagement, constructive dialogue, and responsible governance.”

The troika of Kashmiri experts urges the Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, the Government of Pakistan, the political leadership of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan, all state institutions, and law enforcement agencies to exercise the highest level of restraint in dealing with public demonstrations. While maintaining law and order is an essential responsibility of the state, the preservation of human life and dignity must always remain the foremost priority. Every possible effort should be made to resolve differences through dialogue, mediation, and democratic means rather than the use of force.

They also calls upon the leadership of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and all participants in the protests to continue pursuing their objectives peacefully and responsibly. Lasting solutions can only be achieved through peaceful engagement, mutual respect, and constructive negotiations.

The troika leadership maintianed that the political leadership of both Azad Kashmir and Pakistan bears a collective responsibility to listen to the voices of the people, engage with them in good faith, and work toward practical and lasting solutions. Ignoring legitimate public concerns or allowing tensions to escalate serves no one’s interests. Responsible leadership requires communication, compassion, accountability, and a sincere commitment to protecting the lives and dignity of every citizen.

The relationship between the people of Kashmir and Pakistan has always been rooted in shared history, mutual sacrifices, and brotherhood. We recognize and appreciate that the overwhelming majority of the people of Pakistan continue to stand with the people of Kashmir and support the people of Jammu & Kashmir. It is therefore deeply concerning when incidents of violence create mistrust and resentment between two peoples whose bond has always been one of unity and shared purpose. Such developments risk weakening the collective Kashmir cause and providing opportunities for those who seek to exploit our divisions.

The statement reiterates that a state must always serve as the protector of its people. Just as a mother guides and protects her children with patience, compassion, and wisdom, governments must respond to public concerns with empathy and dialogue rather than force whenever possible. The strength of a government is measured not by the force it employs, but by its ability to protect its people while preserving peace and justice.

The Kashmir Diaspora of Washingotn metropolitan area respectfully calls upon the Government of Pakistan, the Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, the political leadership of both Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and community representatives to immediately de-escalate tensions, initiate meaningful dialogue, conduct a transparent and impartial investigation into the reported killings, hold those responsible accountable in accordance with the law, and ensure that no more innocent lives are lost.

They further urged all elected representatives to rise above political differences and work together in the interest of the people. This is a time for leadership, wisdom, and unity—not confrontation. The people of Azad Jammu & Kashmir deserve peace, justice, dignity, and responsive governance.

The stamen says that Kashmiri diaspora remains hopeful that wisdom and restraint will prevail, that all parties will engage in sincere dialogue, and that the longstanding bond of brotherhood between the people of Kashmir and Pakistan will emerge stronger through mutual respect, understanding, and peaceful resolution.

That statement concluded by making prayer for the protection of nation of Azad Kashmir and for every family affected by this tragedy. May Allah grant the martyrs the highest ranks in Jannah, bless the injured with a speedy recovery, grant patience to the bereaved families, and guide all leaders and institutions toward justice, peace, and unity.

For ore information, please contact:
Zarif711@gmail.com
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571-243-0452
Aftab.khan212@yahoo.com
571-201-5849