Nawaz Sharif Urges Peace and Dialogue Amid Azad Kashmir Political Crisis
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed concern over the ongoing political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying that such circumstances should not have arisen and emphasizing that the country belongs to all its citizens.
Addressing a meeting of the PML-N leadership in Lahore, Nawaz Sharif stated that public rights should be pursued within the framework of the Constitution. He said the party would continue to play its role alongside all democratic forces to safeguard democratic values and public interests.
Sharif reiterated PML-N’s clear stance on the Kashmir issue, stressing that the people of Indian-administered Kashmir should be granted their right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions. He added that the PML-N has consistently prioritized constitutional rights, basic freedoms, development, and prosperity for the people of Azad Kashmir.
The former premier said that all citizens must live together as brothers and highlighted the sacrifices made by Kashmiris for Pakistan. He noted that Pakistan has always considered the Kashmiri struggle as its own and has supported their cause at every stage.
Calling for calm, Nawaz Sharif urged the people of Kashmir to maintain their ideological and emotional bond with Pakistan while remaining peaceful. He appealed for protest sit-ins to be ended and replaced with meaningful dialogue, expressing hope that the people of Azad Kashmir, the regional government, the federal government, and political parties would work together to restore peace and stability.
He warned against becoming part of any activity that could strengthen the agenda of hostile forces seeking to exploit the situation.
Referring to the broader national context, Sharif said that Pakistan’s government and defense institutions have achieved remarkable successes under current circumstances. He stressed the need to promote politics based on tolerance, harmony, and brotherhood.
The meeting reviewed the political and administrative situation in Azad Kashmir and was attended by senior leaders of PML-N and its Azad Kashmir chapter. Participants expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in recent incidents and offered prayers for the deceased.
Nawaz Sharif also praised the efforts of Engineer Amir Muqam for effectively leading election campaigns in both Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
