Alarmed by civilian deaths, Mirwaiz urges Pakistan to prioritize dialogue and restraint in PoK

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. File | Photo credit: ANI

Kashmiri chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Wednesday (15 July 2026) expressed concern over the situation, particularly the killing of civilians in clashes, in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and called on Pakistan to “favor dialogue, restraint and engagement”.

“As I continue to hear expressions of anxiety and anguish from people across the Line of Control (LoC) who are reaching out about the unrest, I call on the Government of Pakistan and the local government there to favor dialogue, restraint and engagement, resolving disputes through consultation and accommodation rather than confrontation, while respecting human rights and the sanctity of human life remain paramount,” Mirwaiz said.

He also expressed “deep grief and pain at the reports of loss of civilian lives and police personnel in the ongoing unrest across the Line of Control, particularly in Rawalakot and Poonch.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the bereaved and all those affected by these tragic events,” Mirwaiz said. At least six civilians are believed to have been killed in fresh clashes in PoK in the past 24 hours. PoK has been witnessing a major upheaval in recent weeks due to a slew of demands.

“I am also concerned about the ongoing debates about the representation and constitutional and political status of the large number of subjects of the Pakistan-based Kashmiri state. Issues of identity, representation and political rights require sensitivity, dialogue and broad public trust,” Mirwaiz said.

MIrwaiz said the legitimacy and strength of any system of governance ultimately rests on the consent, trust and confidence of the people it serves. “Our history and our shared social, cultural and family ties across the Line of Control remind us that events in one part of Jammu and Kashmir are deeply felt in another and among our diasporic communities across the world,” Mirwaiz said.

Mirwaiz said his family has a long historical association with the social, educational, religious and political development of communities in Jammu and Kashmir, including those on the other side of the LOC.

“I also appeal to the protesting parties to exercise wisdom and responsibility. Both must work to restore peace and public confidence as soon as possible,” he added.

The Mirwaiz also prayed for “lasting peace and stability for all the people of Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of the ceasefire and its resolution”.

Published – 15 Jul 2026 15:24 IST