LEEPA VALLEY (Kashmir English): Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani has said that 99 percent of the people currently in Rawalakot are “our own.”
He described the state as a cradle of peace, noting that tolerance, a rich culture, and a tradition of mutual respect and courtesy are part of our inherited values.
Addressing a public gathering in Leepa Valley, Iftikhar Gilani remarked that the state is currently experiencing unrest.
He reiterated that 99 percent of those in Rawalakot are our own people, but, unfortunately, elements of discord have infiltrated our ranks.
He stated that these disruptive elements within our ranks are driven by their own personal agendas and self-serving interests. If we desire peace in the state, we must root out these disruptive elements.
This state is a cradle of peace—a place where mutual respect is a cherished legacy—yet we are now witnessing this harmony being torn apart.
He emphasized that if we wish for peace and prosperity, we must move forward in unity. While people may have various demands—and he has no issue with the demands themselves—the concern lies with the methods being employed to pursue them; we must reflect on whether these methods are appropriate.
The Prime Minister noted that some of our friends and associates who previously spoke differently are now adjusting their rhetoric to suit the current climate. We must avoid any discourse that could undermine the peace of the state.
He clarified that Azad Jammu and Kashmir was not established to facilitate arbitrary or self-willed conduct; rather, our objective is to secure the liberation of the entire Kashmir region, in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
The Prime Minister asserted that our allegiance must lie with Islamabad, not Delhi. Certain elements are damaging the movement, and they must be identified. If we remain united in our singular purpose, there is no room for division among us.
He addressed the public, noting that the government has been in power for only two months, and requested some time; he assured them that in the coming days, they would both see and feel a change.
He stated that elements detrimental to the Kashmir freedom movement must be discouraged. He paid tribute to the soldiers of the Pakistan Army stationed along the Line of Control (LoC) for defending the homeland. Furthermore, a consultant will be hired to develop a comprehensive plan for the tourism-related development of the Leepa Valley.
He saluted the resolve, courage, and spirit of the people living along the LoC, noting that the Indian army has failed to dampen their determination. He mentioned that when Mian Nawaz Sharif called, he informed him of his presence in the Leepa Valley; Mian Nawaz Sharif, in turn, sent his greetings to the people of the valley
The Prime Minister remarked that many wish to witness the beauty of the Leepa Valley, and steps will be taken to promote tourism there.
He invited the local residents to submit viable proposals for the promotion of tourism, promising to introduce initiatives that would enable the people of Leepa to earn a respectable livelihood.
Eliminating unemployment from the region is among the government’s priorities. Efforts are underway to improve basic infrastructure, including roads, in Leepa. A key objective is to provide the children of Leepa with excellent opportunities for higher education.
Children who have been deprived of higher education due to financial constraints will be provided the opportunity to study at some of Pakistan’s top universities.
Numerous development projects are in the pipeline for Leepa, and all Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs) will be upgraded in a phased manner.
The Prime Minister stated that the recruitment process for government jobs, conducted through a third party, will begin within the next three months.
