ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that lawlessness could not be allowed in any civilized society and stressed that all legitimate issues should be resolved through dialogue, referring to the ongoing protest of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Addressing the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, the PM alleged that those deliberately disrupting the situation were acting at the behest of external elements, saying the government had evidence to support the claim.
“Before the elections, the government convened an all-party conference in Muzaffarabad to discuss the issue of refugee seats, in which all parties participated, except one party,” he said.
“It was agreed that those seeking changes in the refugee seats should let the elections take place and present their case before the new assembly for resolution under the Constitution and law.”
Speaking about the AJK elections, Shehbaz Sharif added that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has secured a simple majority in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections held so far, including seats reserved for Kashmiris settled in Pakistan.
The prime minister thanked the people of Azad Kashmir for supporting the PML-N and expressed confidence that the region would embark on a renewed journey of development and prosperity under the leadership of party President Nawaz Sharif.
The Prime Minister said the new government would continue dialogue with those willing to resolve the issues with peace, tolerance and forbearance, but would not allow anyone to spread unrest and anarchy.
Talking about the upcoming Independence Day, Shehbaz Sharif said the nation is preparing to celebrate Independence Day on August 14 with traditional enthusiasm. “The federal and provincial governments would also join the people to celebrate these festivities in a befitting manner.”
‘Mecca agreement to promote peace’
In addition, Prime Minister Sharif stated the recently signed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Türkiye Mecca Joint Defence Agreement will help promote peace, development and prosperity in the region.
“The agreement, signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan and himself in Mecca, was an extension of the longstanding defence cooperation among the three countries,” the premier added.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s armed forces have long worked alongside Saudi forces to safeguard the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, adding that the latest agreement is an extension of these arrangements and remained under discussion for several years before being finalized.
Sharif also paid tribute to the security forces personnel martyred in recent terrorist attacks in different parts of the country, including Hangu and Swat.
He said the nation would always remember the sacrifices of Major Hafiz Ehsan Elahi, Captain Hamza Akram, DSP Diyar Khan and other martyrs, who laid down their lives for the defence of Pakistan.
The premier also prayed for the martyrs and expressed sympathies with their families. He also expressed grief and sorrow over the death of his longtime political associate, Iqbal Channar of Bahawalpur.
“Khawarij terrorists are being eliminated day and night, expressing the confidence that the sacrifices of the security personnel would not go in vain and bear fruit,” he added.
