PML-N President Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed concern over the political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), urging protesters to end sit-ins and demonstrations and engage in meaningful dialogue with the government.
“Under the Interim Constitution Act of 1974, the people of AJK enjoy full civil liberties and democratic rights. I urge them to end sit-ins and protests and instead engage in meaningful dialogue,” the elder Sharif said at a meeting in Lahore on Wednesday convened to deliberate the political and administrative situation in Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by senior leaders of the PML-N from AJK. The PML-N central spokesperson and Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb issued a statement after the meeting.
The party’s AJK chapter had urged the three-time prime minister to address the emerging situation in Kashmir and play his role in resolving it.
“I hope that the people of AJK, the AJK government, the government of Pakistan, and all political parties will collectively contribute to restoring peace in the region and advancing the electoral process,” Nawaz said according to the statement, referring to the AJK elections due at the end of next month.
He also stressed that all available resources should be utilised for the welfare of the people of AJK, and that any movement for public rights should be conducted within the constitutional framework.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir recently witnessed political and social tensions, including public protests over issues such as the 12 reserved refugee seats in the legislative assembly, inflation, electricity tariffs and the rising cost of living.
Several people, including security personnel, lost their lives in clashes that erupted 10 days earlier. Tensions in the region persist.
Taking stock of the situation, Nawaz said that PML-N had always maintained a clear and principled stance on the Kashmir issue.
He reiterated that the people of the region should be granted their right to self-determination in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations.
“We have always prioritised the constitutional and fundamental rights of the people of AJK, as well as the region’s development and prosperity,” he said, and added the PML-N would continue to play its full role in cooperation with “all democratic forces”.
The statement added that the party leader expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, including both officials and civilians, in recent incidents. “Such a situation should never have arisen. This country belongs to all of us, and we must live together as brothers,” he said, adding that the people of Kashmir had rendered unparalleled sacrifices for Pakistan.
“Pakistan has always regarded the Kashmiri struggle as its own and has consistently supported it. I appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to maintain their ideological and emotional bond with Pakistan and remain peaceful,” Nawaz said.
Referring to the prevailing regional circumstances, he said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government and the country’s defence institutions had achieved remarkable successes.
“In light of these achievements, there is a need to promote brotherhood, harmony and tolerance in both Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir,” he said and cautioned against becoming part of any activity that could undermine these objectives.
Nawaz returned to Lahore yesterday after spending about three weeks in Switzerland and Saudi Arabia.