Islamabad, (Parliament Times) : Altaf Ahmed Bhat, Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement, has extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Pakistan Armed Forces for their swift, disciplined, and highly professional response to recent acts of aggression by Indian forces.
The timely mobilization of fighter squadrons, the safeguarding of strategic installations, and the evacuation of civilians from high-risk areas underscored not only operational excellence but also the Armed Forces’ unwavering dedication to national defense and civilian safety.
In a statement issued today, Bhat emphasized that the resolute actions of the Pakistan Army and Air Force helped restore calm in a moment of grave regional uncertainty and likely prevented a wider and more devastating conflict.
He also welcomed with deep appreciation the diplomatic breakthrough that resulted in a full and immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan, announced on May 10, 2025.
He particularly lauded the efforts of U.S. President Donald J. Trump, whose mediation and backchannel diplomacy played a crucial role in securing the agreement.
“The world was on the edge,” Bhat remarked. “Missiles, drones, and retaliatory strikes displaced thousands and sent tremors through global markets. The risk of accidental escalation between two nuclear states could have had unimaginable consequences—not just for South Asia, but for all of humanity.”
Amid the relief brought by the ceasefire, Bhat reminded the world that true and lasting peace cannot be achieved without resolving the core issue: the decades-old dispute over Jammu and Kashmir. He referred to United Nations Security Council Resolution 47 (1948), which called for the withdrawal of non-local forces and the conduct of a free, impartial plebiscite to determine the future of the region. The continued failure to implement this resolution, he argued, has only fueled cycles of violence and deepened the suffering of the Kashmiri people.
“The right to self-determination is not a slogan—it is a fundamental right,” Bhat said. “Any sustainable resolution must include the voices and aspirations of the Kashmiri people themselves. External solutions imposed without their involvement will neither be legitimate nor lasting.”
He urged both Pakistan and India to agree to a new round of negotiations at a neutral venue under United Nations oversight. He further called for the inclusion of all major Kashmiri political groups and civil society actors in these discussions, stressing that no deal can be meaningful if it excludes the people most affected.
Bhat also thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his energetic and principled diplomacy in the days following the crisis. From engaging global leaders to presenting Pakistan’s case at international forums, the Prime Minister’s leadership was instrumental in mobilizing world opinion in favor of de-escalation and long-term peace.
He also recognized Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for his behind-the-scenes role in building international consensus and creating momentum for future negotiations.
In his remarks, Mr. Bhat praised Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir for maintaining a firm yet measured military posture during the crisis. He commended the Pakistan Air Force for its precise and coordinated support, carried out under extreme conditions, and noted that their discipline prevented the situation from spiraling into full-scale war.
Looking ahead, Bhat reiterated that a mere pause in hostilities does not constitute peace.
Bhat said that Kashmir remains a critical issue affecting the lives of millions across the region, and warned that as long as the dispute remains unresolved, the threat of nuclear conflict in South Asia will continue to loom.
“The road to peace is never easy,” Bhat said. “But for the sake of future generations, we must walk it—with courage, with honesty, and with the Kashmiri people at the heart of every conversation.”