MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Chaudhry Maqbool Ahmed Gujjar took the oath as a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) on Tuesday.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly Speaker, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, administered the oath of office to Maqbool Gujjar during the assembly session held today in light of the decision of the Supreme Court of AJK.
On April 22, the Supreme Court declared the Election Tribunal’s decision null and void, restoring Gujjar’s membership.
Addressing the assembly after the oath-taking, Chaudhry Maqbool said that the institutions of Azad Kashmir have shown exemplary performance in providing justice in just three years.
Citing historical references, he said that in some cases, decisions come after decades; however, according to him, speedy justice in his case is a positive aspect.
On this occasion, the Speaker advised him to be cautious with some of his remarks and directed him to maintain discipline in the house.
Maqbool Gujjar address
Later, Maqbool said in his address that he did not want to be a part of any further political controversy as the term of the assembly is now limited. He also apologized for any misbehavior or misunderstanding with any fellow member during his past and current tenure.
During the session, former Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan congratulated Chaudhry Maqbool on his return to the House; however, making political references, he said that questions have been raised regarding members who have changed political loyalties in the past.
Farooq Haider added that members of the assembly take an oath to keep official information confidential, but sometimes its violation also comes to light.
Chaudhry Maqbool clarified on the occasion that his statement was not intended to hurt anyone and that he did not want to create further controversy. He said that he considers the trust of the people of his constituency as his biggest responsibility, and according to him, the people have once again given him their trust through the power of the vote.
He added that, referring to various political and judicial incidents in the past, he said that he got justice in a short period of time, which is a source of satisfaction for him.
PTI MLA said that he now wants to focus on solving public problems by playing a positive role in the House.
