Two separate events held 100 kilometers apart in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) highlight the persistent challenges in reforming Pakistan. While Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking from Muzaffarabad, advocated for peace talks with India, a contradictory event took place in Rawalakote, where a rally featuring weapons and attended by members of terrorist groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) took place.
These groups are notorious for their attacks on India, and during the event, anti-India slogans were widespread. Additionally, leaders from Hamas, the Gaza-based organization, were present.
This duality in Pakistan's approach, observed on "Kashmir Solidarity Day," underscored the nation's contradictory stance on terrorism and Kashmir. While professing a desire for peace, Pakistan facilitated a platform for terrorism.
Concurrently, Pakistan has reportedly agreed to host 15 Palestinian prisoners released as part of a ceasefire arrangement with Israel, according to Arab News.
In his call for dialogue, Prime Minister Sharif underscored the importance of resolving issues, including Kashmir, through talks with India. Speaking at a special session of the POK Assembly, he urged India to move beyond the "August 5, 2019, mindset" and engage in dialogue, referencing India's decision to abrogate Article 370, which previously granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
India, however, has consistently reiterated its position on Kashmir, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ladakh, are integral parts of the country. Furthermore, India maintains that any progression in bilateral relations with Pakistan requires an atmosphere devoid of terror and violence, a notion seemingly ignored by Pakistan.
In stark contrast to Sharif's peace overtures, a gathering in Rawalakote, a mere 105 kilometers away, saw key leaders from terrorist organizations at a conference titled "Kashmir Solidarity and Hamas Operation 'Al Aqsa Flood' Conference." This event marked the first time Hamas leaders participated in POK, a notable development given their history of violence against Israel, including the devastating October 7, 2023 attack that escalated tensions in the Middle East.
The event featured high-profile figures such as Talha Saif, brother of JeM chief Masood Azhar, alongside other JeM and LeT leaders. Both organizations have been responsible for significant terror attacks in India. During the conference, a JeM member announced an alliance with Hamas and Pakistani jihadi groups, calling for the "destruction of Bharat" and "Kashmir's separation," while also targeting the United States and Israel.
The participation of international groups like Hamas at this conference underscores Pakistan's continued support for extremism, despite denials of backing them globally. Meetings between Hamas's Khalid Al-Qadoumi and Pakistan's hardline political leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman further illustrate the connections between Pakistan-based terror groups and international networks. These developments reinforce Pakistan's dual role in addressing terrorism and its global implications.