MIRPUR (Kashmir English): A deeply unsettling moral scandal involving a Deputy Secretary and a couple of others belonging to AJK PM secretariat at AJK ‘s capital city of Muzaffarabad has sent shockwaves among all spheres of life in the civil society and other sensible quarters of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Advocate Javaid Najam-us-Saqib, President of the AJK Supreme Court Bar Association, has expressed grave concern in this regard, stating that this is “not just the failure of an individual, but a reflection of collective moral decay.”
In a statement, he said when influential people abuse their positions to exploit young female students with false promises of employment, it goes beyond misconduct — it is a breach of public trust and an assault on the constitutional, educational, and family system.
Advocate Saqib demanded a high-level transparent and impartial investigation, led either by a serving or retired judge of the superior judiciary or DIG-rank officer of proven integrity or an independent, empowered investigation board, to ensure that no political or administrative influence can derail justice.
He stressed if a larger network or group is found to be involved, it must be exposed and dismantled immediately.
Warning against any attempt to suppress the issue or shield those complicit, he further said, “If this case is brushed under the rug or accomplices are given safe passage, it will deepen parents’ fears and could lead to a dangerous decline in girls’ access to education.”
Calling for collective moral awakening, he said if educational institutions cease to be centers of character-building, the downfall of society is inevitable. “We must protect the dignity and safety of our children with urgent and united action.”
Appeal to AJK government
He also called upon the AJK government to tighten legal provisions, ensuring swift and exemplary punishment for such offenders, to restore public confidence, particularly among the younger generation.
