Following protests in the rock region, PM Shehbaz visits AJK and meets with leadership
On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif touched down in Azad Jammu and Kasmir (AJK) for a full day of meetings with the local political leadership and cabinet members.
The region was shook by violent protests over high energy rates and wheat prices, and this is the premier’s first visit there.
As Shehbaz arrived at the helipad, Anwarul Haq, the prime minister of Jammu and Kashmir, greeted him.
After the IMF team’s visit was over, Shehbaz promised that his administration will work with the AJK leadership to implement mutual understanding and find a long-term solution to the problems affecting the Kashmiri people.
The PM mentioned the recent AJK people’s rights movement and stated that while the people raised their voices in support of their justifiable demands, some miscreants attempted to incite rioting and other violent acts.
He declared support for the bereaved families under the Shuhada Package and offered condolences for the deaths of civilians and police officers during the protests.
During the AJK special cabinet meeting, the premier requested that his AJK counterpart form a committee to conduct necessary talks with key Pakistani ministries on matters such as Neelum Jhelum, water charges, and other matters concerning the welfare of the AJK people.
He gave the pertinent authorities the order to finish building the bridge as soon as possible as part of the Mangla Phase-2 project. He stated that in order to develop short-, medium-, and long-term solutions, Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam and Federal Secretary Water Syed Ali Murtaza would confer with the Kashmiri leadership over Neelum Jhelum.
The premier also expressed gratitude to the Speaker of the AJK Legislative Assembly, AJK Chief Secretary, AJK PM, President Asif Ali Zardari, Amir Muqam, the Minister of Kashmir Affairs, the IG Police, and their helpful roles in helping to find a quick fix to the people’s demands.
Shehbaz gave the assurance that the people of Pakistan would always stand behind the people of Kashmir and speak out in international forums, citing as evidence the speech given by Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar at the most recent OIC Summit in Gambia and its statement emphasizing the problem of Kashmir.
He also highlighted the suffering of Kashmiris in Tihar jail and the atrocities committed by the Indians in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He promised Pakistan’s continued diplomatic and spiritual support for the cause of Kashmir.
The prime minister stated that the Indian ruling party was afraid of public outrage over the country’s violations of human rights in the region and could not run for office in IIOJK under its true name.
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.
