Political Leaders, Analysts discuss Kashmir, security and regional peace

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Editor-in-Chief Pakistan Group of Newspapers and Chairman Roze News SK Niazi, while speaking in his renowned talk show Sachi Baat, discussed Kashmir, economic challenges, law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, water conservation and regional peace.
SK Niazi expressed hope for Kashmir’s freedom and said Field Marshal’s efforts to prevent a war between Iran and the United States were significant. He expressed hope that conditions would improve but stressed that inflation, poverty, unemployment and economic difficulties required practical measures. He also raised concerns over declining investment, capital transferred abroad, slow export growth and rising interest rates. Highlighting the water crisis, he called for effective rainwater storage and better utilisation of dams, including Tarbela. He also expressed concern over the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and stressed the importance of understanding ground realities in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Former federal minister Muhammad Ali Durrani said October 27 was observed as Kashmir Black Day, describing the Kashmir issue as a matter of national concern. He highlighted the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people and called for an end to oppression and the realisation of their right to freedom. He also criticised the country’s economic conditions, saying inflation and financial hardship continued to affect the public while the ruling class remained disconnected from ordinary citizens’ problems.
On the establishment of new provinces, he said the issue of Bahawalpur province had been discussed previously and could gain renewed momentum. He maintained that public interest should remain the priority in administrative decisions. He also raised concerns over Pakistan’s debt burden, economic mismanagement, political tensions and the need for effective use of financial resources. Addressing security challenges, he stressed coordinated efforts by civilian institutions and security agencies to combat terrorism and acknowledged the sacrifices of Pakistan Army personnel.
Defence Analyst Brigadier (retd) Syed Nazir said Kashmir Black Day also highlighted Pakistan’s security challenges. He expressed concern over terrorism linked to Afghan territory and emphasised the need for an effective security strategy. He said the rights, identity and right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people remained important issues.
He also highlighted concerns over water security, calling for Pakistan to strengthen its capacity to protect water resources and pursue legal and diplomatic avenues over disputes concerning the Indus Waters Treaty. He stressed the importance of securing international trade routes and ensuring that local communities, investors and provincial governments received their due shares from natural resources. He further emphasised protecting tribal communities’ land rights and involving local populations in development projects. On regional affairs, he discussed Pakistan’s diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia and the wider implications of tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Former ambassador Ghulam Rasool Baloch expressed concern over the damage suffered by Iran during the conflict and warned that renewed fighting could cause serious losses across the region. He said Pakistan was making diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and avert another war. He stressed the importance of negotiations and continued diplomatic contacts, adding that Pakistan’s future steps would depend on developments in the region.
He also said fundamental reforms in Pakistan would require time and the removal of obstacles within the existing system. Meaningful change, he maintained, would require structural reforms and sustained efforts.