Historic Convention of Pensioners and Civil Society Leaders Held at Dak Bangla Rajouri

A landmark convention of pensioners and civil society leaders from Poonch and Rajouri districts was held today at Dak Bangla Rajouri, under the leadership of Abdul Qayoom Wani, Chairman of Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) and President of Jammu & Kashmir Pensioners United Front (JKPUF).

The event brought together hundreds of pensioners, senior citizens, and key leaders from both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions.

The gathering focused on fostering unity among pensioners and senior citizens, addressing their grievances, and reinforcing their vital role in social reformation. The district presidents of Rajouri and Poonch warmly welcomed the attendees, setting the tone for a spirited discussion on the challenges facing pensioners and society at large.

In his address, Abdul Qayoom Wani highlighted the invaluable contributions of pensioners and senior citizens to the socio-economic fabric of society. He stated, "Pensioners and senior citizens are the storage of wisdom and vision. Their collective strength is pivotal in shaping a just and progressive society, and they have a key role to play in driving positive social change."

The convention also called for the promotion of communal harmony, unity in diversity, and respect for all religions, stressing the importance of upholding societal values amid ongoing challenges.

Beyond pension-related concerns, the convention delved into broader social issues, particularly the growing menace of drug abuse. Wani urged civil society members, including parents, to take a proactive stance against social evils. "It is our collective responsibility to fight against drug abuse and moral degradation. Parents must remain vigilant and guide the youth toward responsible living," he emphasized.

The event also shed light on long-pending demands of pensioners and senior citizens, with Wani urging the government to address these issues without further delay. "The patience of this experienced and wise segment of society is being tested," he cautioned. "Their demands are legitimate, and they can no longer be ignored."

Reaffirming the commitment of JKCSF and JKPUF to the welfare of pensioners, senior citizens, and the general public, Wani assured that both organizations would continue to raise their voice on social, environmental, cultural, economic, and political matters affecting the people of Jammu & Kashmir. He praised the efforts of Rajouri and Poonch’s district leadership for organizing the event and thanked the delegates from both Kashmir and Jammu divisions for their active participation.

The convention concluded on a note of gratitude for the patience and enthusiasm of the participants, many of whom had traveled from distant areas of these border districts.

This historic event at Dak Bangla Rajouri has marked a significant moment for the empowerment of pensioners and senior citizens in Jammu & Kashmir. With JKCSF and JKPUF at the helm, the convention laid the foundation for a united push for social responsibility, collective action, and sustained advocacy for the rights and welfare of pensioners and civil society members in the region. The momentum generated from this gathering is expected to fuel meaningful reforms and stronger representation for these groups moving forward.