Dr. Farooq concerned over global economic crisis amid Iran-US tensions
Srinagar, 12 May: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Tuesday expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between Iran and the United States, saying that the ongoing conflict must come to an immediate end under all circumstances. He warned that if the war continues, it could push not only the Middle East but the entire world into severe economic, financial, and humanitarian crises.
Dr. Farooq cautioned that failure to stop the conflict could trigger a serious global shortage of petroleum products, resulting in soaring inflation, rising unemployment, and widespread economic instability. He also warned of the possibility of a collapse of the global economic system if the situation deteriorates further.
He made these remarks during an interaction with senior party leaders, office bearers at party office Nawa-e-Subah Complex.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent address to the nation, Dr. Farooq said it clearly reflects the seriousness of the prevailing war-like situation and the potential energy challenges India may face if the crisis prolongs. He described the Prime Minister’s appeal for work from home as a realistic and timely measure under the current circumstances.
However, he expressed concern over the promotion of online education, stating that it could create serious hardships for students from poor and middle-class families. He said that thousands of students studying in government educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir lack proper internet access and do not possess mobile phones, laptops, or other gadgets necessary for online learning, which may further widen educational inequality.
Expressing concern over the growing menace of drug addiction, Dr. Farooq said that the National Conference is the only political party that has undertaken serious and organized efforts to eradicate this social evil from its roots. He said that a special committee named “WADA” was constituted for this purpose, which, after extensive consultations with experts, legal professionals, doctors, social workers and other stakeholders, prepared a comprehensive report.
He further announced that, God willing, the National Conference government will introduce a strong and effective anti-drug bill in the upcoming Assembly session to safeguard the younger generation from this destructive menace. At the same time, he emphasized that the fight against drugs must be a collective societal effort while ensuring that justice and human values are upheld. He stressed that an entire family should not be punished for the crime of one individual, stating that neither a father should suffer for the wrongdoing of his son nor one brother for another’s actions.
On the occasion, Party General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar briefed the National Conference President in detail about party activities, public outreach programmes, and organizational matters. He informed that a series of district-level conventions will commence in the coming days, beginning with Budgam district on Saturday.
He said these conventions will serve as a platform to directly hear public grievances, developmental needs, local issues and people’s demands from different districts so that effective measures can be taken at both the government and party levels for their resolution. Party Additional General Secretary Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan was also present and briefed the President about various organizational affairs and future plans. Provincial President Shaukat Ahmad Mir informed Dr. Farooq about the ongoing public outreach campaign in Kashmir province and preparations for the upcoming membership drive.
MLAs Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir, Salman Ali Sagar, Peerzada Feroze Ahmad Shah, State Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar, Jagdish Singh and Mushtaq Mir also met Dr. Farooq Abdullah on the occasion.
