LAHORE – Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Mian Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday called for an end to protest sit-ins in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and urged all stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue to restore peace and ensure the continuation of the democratic process in the region.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Lahore to review the political and administrative situation in AJK, the former prime minister stressed the need for resolving issues through constitutional and democratic means, while reaffirming his party’s longstanding support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions. The meeting was attended by senior PML-N leaders and representatives of the party’s Azad Jammu and Kashmir chapter. Participants discussed the prevailing political situation in the region and measures to promote stability and public welfare.
Nawaz Sharif said PML-N had always attached the highest importance to the constitutional and fundamental rights of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, alongside the region’s development and prosperity. Referring to the Interim Constitution Act, 1974, he noted that the people of AJK enjoyed full civil liberties and said all available resources and capabilities should be utilized to improve their welfare and well-being.
Expressing concern over recent developments in the region, he said the struggle for public rights must remain within the constitutional framework and reiterated that PML-N would continue to work alongside all democratic forces for the protection of people’s rights.
The PML-N president also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, including government officials and civilians, during recent incidents in AJK. “Such circumstances should never have arisen,” he remarked.
“The country belongs to all of us, and we must live together as brothers,” Nawaz Sharif said, adding that the people of Kashmir had rendered unparalleled sacrifices for Pakistan. He said Pakistan had always regarded the Kashmiri cause as its own and extended support to the people of the region.
Appealing directly to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he urged them to maintain their ideological and emotional bond with Pakistan, remain peaceful, end protest sit-ins and participate in constructive dialogue. He expressed hope that the people of AJK, the regional government, the federal government and all political parties would work collectively to restore normalcy and strengthen democratic institutions.
Referring to Pakistan’s recent achievements under challenging circumstances, Nawaz Sharif said the government and the country’s defence institutions had secured notable successes, which should serve as a basis for promoting national unity, tolerance and democratic values in both Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting also offered prayers for those who lost their lives in recent incidents in AJK and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
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