PML-N President Nawaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting in Lahore to review in detail the political and administrative situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The meeting was attended by the senior leadership of PML-N as well as representatives of PML-N Azad Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, Nawaz Sharif reiterated that PML-N maintains a clear and consistent stance on the Kashmir issue and supports the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination in accordance with the United Nations resolutions.
He emphasized that PML-N has always prioritized the constitutional and fundamental rights of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, along with the region’s development and prosperity. Expressing concern over the current political situation in AJK, he stated that under the Interim Constitution Act, 1974, the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir enjoy full civil liberties and that all available resources and capabilities should be utilized for their welfare and well-being.
Loss of Lives in AJK:
Nawaz Sharif stressed that the struggle for public rights should remain within the constitutional framework and affirmed that PML-N would continue to play its role alongside all democratic forces. He expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of lives, including government personnel and civilians, in recent incidents, stating that such circumstances should never have arisen.
“The country belongs to all of us, and we must live together as brothers,” he said. “The people of Kashmir have rendered unparalleled sacrifices for Pakistan, and Pakistan has always regarded the Kashmiri struggle as its own and supported it accordingly.”
Appealing to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Nawaz Sharif urged them to maintain their ideological and emotional bond with Pakistan, remain peaceful, end protest sit-ins, and engage in meaningful dialogue. He expressed hope that the people of AJK, the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of Pakistan, and all political parties would work together to restore peace and ensure the continuation of the democratic and electoral process in the region.
Kashmir Affairs Minister:
He referred to Pakistan’s recent achievements. Sharif noted that the Government and defence institutions had achieved remarkable successes under the prevailing circumstances. He stressed that these achievements should encourage the promotion of brotherhood, tolerance, and democratic values in both Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting also expressed profound grief over the loss of precious lives in recent incidents in AJK. It offered prayers for the departed souls.
During the meeting, Nawaz Sharif commended Kashmir Affairs Minister Engineer Amir Muqam, for his dedicated efforts. And effective organization of the election campaigns in Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK.
