Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Chairman Syed Qamar Raza has issued a clarification regarding the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) press release. He stated that the JAAC’s statement distorts facts and is based on speculation.
Syed Qamar Raza said that his decision to contact the banned JAAC was solely aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the issue, driven by his personal commitment, the welfare of overseas Pakistanis, and addressing their concerns.
He said the committee was not approached for any political or personal gain, but to encourage members to avoid violence and adopt a peaceful approach. According to him, most members of the banned JAAC responded positively and logically to the proposal for a peaceful resolution.
The OPF chairman said it was unfortunate that some elements were using a sincere and well-intentioned effort for cheap media publicity. He clarified that he was not representing any third party but was speaking on behalf of his people and his institution.
Syed Qamar Raza added that the sole purpose of his efforts was to promote peace, reconciliation, and the welfare of the region and its people. He said that efforts for public betterment and a peaceful resolution would not be affected by any negative campaign.
It is worth mentioning here that the claim that the proposed long march by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has been postponed due to negotiations is completely baseless and contrary to reality. The fact is that the public has rejected this call, and JAAC has failed to generate the necessary support and mobilisation required for the campaign.
The organisation currently lacks the public backing, organisational capacity, resources, and determination needed to launch a long march. Meanwhile, the clear and firm resolve of state institutions to take action against violent and disruptive elements has further highlighted the weaknesses of the proposed protest movement.
The sources revealed that, unable to openly acknowledge their failure, JAAC and its supporters are now attempting to create a self-serving and fabricated narrative to protect their image. Claims are being circulated that the march has been postponed due to negotiations or a possible compromise with the concerned parties.
These claims are being promoted by a few unreliable and unauthorised accounts and individuals who have neither a public mandate nor any legal authority to engage in negotiations. Therefore, any postponement of the long march should be viewed as a consequence of the organisation’s failure to secure public support, rather than as a concession granted by the state.
Read more: JAAC fails to mobilise public support as long march claim sparks controversy
