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ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has called for restraint and dialogue amid the ongoing protest movement in Kashmir, urging state institutions to prioritize reconciliation over confrontation. In a video message released on Friday, the veteran religious and political leader said demonstrations in Kashmir have continued for nearly two months, describing the movement as a reflection of public frustration. He paid tribute to the patience and resilience of the Kashmiri people, saying they had shown remarkable endurance despite prolonged unrest. According to Fazlur Rehman, tensions escalated on June 5, prompting efforts by a mediation committee to help resolve the crisis through negotiations. He said the committee had approached him with confidence to support a peaceful settlement, but claimed its efforts did not receive the attention they deserved from the authorities. The JUI-F chief alleged that the government had remained focused on suppressing the movement through the use of force rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue. He appealed to the protest committee to allow more time for mediation and avoid taking any major step that could further escalate the situation. “I salute the patience and perseverance of the Kashmiri people,” Fazlur Rehman said, adding that the movement was spreading across Kashmir and drawing attention from audiences around the world. He also urged state institutions to adopt a path of peace instead of violence, emphasizing that reconciliation and mutual understanding were essential for resolving political disputes and restoring stability. The remarks come at a time of heightened political activity and continued demonstrations in parts of Kashmir, where various groups have been calling for action on governance and public concerns. While political leaders continue to offer differing assessments of the situation, Fazlur Rehman stressed that dialogue remains the most effective way to reduce tensions and move toward a lasting solution.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has said that a meeting with the party’s founder is essential for improving the current political situation. Speaking to reporters near Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Gohar said political tensions could not be reduced through the registration of cases and continued confrontation. He was responding to questions about a case registered against Noreen Bibi. Gohar said statements made by Noreen Niazi should be viewed as her personal opinion. He added that she had already clarified her position. He also stressed the importance of Kashmir for Pakistan, saying the region held a special place in the country’s national interest. The PTI chairman criticised the political approach of the country’s two major parties. He said their political activities had contributed to the current situation. Gohar also defended PTI’s decision to boycott the recent Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. He said the party had called for a better political environment before participating in the electoral process. He stressed that free and fair elections were necessary for Pakistan to move forward. According to him, political parties should avoid unnecessary point-scoring at a time when the country needs stability. Gohar also made PTI’s position on terrorism clear. He said the party would not support the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan under any circumstances. He described TTP members as terrorists and said action against terrorism was necessary. At the same time, Gohar said peaceful political protests should be handled differently. He emphasised that peaceful demonstrations should not be treated in the same manner as acts of terrorism or violence. He said PTI would also hold discussions with Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai. He expressed hope that allied political parties would stand together on August 5. Speaking about national security, Gohar referred to the recent conflict with India. He described Pakistan’s response as a matter of national pride and said the country would respond strongly if India attempted similar action in the future. Gohar also commented on Aleema Khan’s political activities. He said PTI’s important members of the National and Provincial Assemblies were supporting her. He again defended the party’s boycott of the AJK elections. Gohar claimed that voter turnout remained very low, estimating it at around 5 to 7 per cent. He said PTI had decided not to support demands that it considered against the state or the Kashmir cause. He maintained that the election boycott was a carefully considered political decision. Gohar said the current situation required politicians to listen to the people instead of focusing solely on political competition. He stressed that public concerns should remain at the centre of political decision-making.

Sindh Additional Inspector General (AIG) Azad Khan has told the Senate Standing Committee on Interior that a bank account allegedly linked to drug case suspect Anmol alias Pinky received around Rs300 million within a year. Briefing the committee, Azad Khan said one transaction involving the account amounted to Rs290 million. He added that financial data involving transactions worth around Rs1 billion had so far emerged during the investigation. The briefing was given at a meeting of the Senate Sub-Committee on Interior, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro. According to the Sindh police official, 10 people have been challaned in connection with the Anmol alias Pinky case. He said two individuals were allegedly operating accounts linked to the suspect and were running their activities from Lahore. The AIG also identified a suspect named Sameer as an alleged associate of Anmol. Azad Khan said another suspect, identified as Aqib, was allegedly running the network in Karachi. He added that two women were also allegedly part of the network and worked as riders for Pinky. According to the briefing, some African nationals allegedly supplied cocaine to the network. The Sindh police official further said investigators had identified 25 riders allegedly associated with the network. He said investigations were continuing into accounts allegedly held in the names of other individuals but believed to be linked to Anmol. Azad Khan also commented on the scale of the alleged drug network. He said media attention had created significant public discussion around the case, but claimed that Anmol was not among the largest drug suppliers. During the meeting, Senator Saifullah Abro questioned the AIG about statements made by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry regarding the case. Abro asked whether the minister had contacted the Sindh police in connection with Anmol alias Pinky. Azad Khan replied that the Minister of State for Interior had not contacted the police regarding the matter. The committee also discussed other issues related to law enforcement and ongoing investigations in Sindh. Senator Abro raised concerns over alleged corruption involving provincial ministers and referred to several major development projects, including the Yellow Line and Blue Line projects. He also mentioned the arrest of Zameer Abbasi during the discussion.