LAHORE (Kashmir English): President Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Nawaz Sharif has appealed to the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to remain peaceful while maintaining their ideological and emotional bond with Pakistan.
Addressing the high-level meeting on the political and administrative situation of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the former prime minister urged the protestors to end the sit-in and called for meaningful dialogue among all stakeholders to de-escalate the situation in the region.
The meeting, held in Lahore under the chairmanship of Nawaz Sharif, was attended by senior party leadership and party leaders from AJK.
Nawaz Sharif expressed hope that the people of Azad Kashmir, the AJK government, the Government of Pakistan, and all political parties would work together to restore peace, strengthen democratic institutions, and ensure the smooth continuation of the electoral process.
Talking to the meeting attendees, Sharif reiterated his party’s clear position on the Kashmir issue.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir should get the right to self-determination in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations,” he said.
“PML-N has always given priority to the people of AJK in terms of constitutional and fundamental rights and development.”
Expressing concern over the current political situation in AJK, he said that according to the Interim Constitution of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Act 1974, they have full civil liberties.
He stressed that all efforts and capabilities should be utilized for public welfare and fulfilment of public demands within the constitutional and legal framework.
The former premier said that he was deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of lives of government officials and civilians, adding that such a situation should not have arisen, and called for national unity and reconciliation.
“This country belongs to all of us, and we must live together with brotherhood and mutual respect,” he remarked.
Referring to recent national developments, he said that Pakistan and its institutions had achieved significant successes in challenging circumstances and that these achievements should encourage the promotion of tolerance, harmony, and brotherhood across Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.
The meeting expressed its grief over the loss of precious lives in the recent incidents in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and prayed for their forgiveness.
