Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has assured Azad Jammu and Kashmir leadership of a permanent solution to the issues facing the Kashmiri people.
Addressing the special cabinet meeting of the AJK during his day-long visit in Muzaffarabad today, he instructed the formation of a committee to discuss issues like water charge, and Neelum Jhelum hydropower project.
He condoled the killing of a police official and some citizens during protest and announced that his government would support the grieved families under the Shuhada Package.
He said after the completion of IMF team’s visit, the federal minister and secretary for power would consult with the AJK authorities to seek a permanent solution to the issues and prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
The Prime Minister instructed the relevant authorities to immediately complete the construction of bridge of Mangla Phase-2 project.
Regarding Neelum Jhelum, he said federal Secretary Water and Minister for Kashmir Affairs would discuss the matter with the Kashmiri leadership to formulate short, medium and long-term solutions.
The Prime Minister appreciated President Asif Ali Zardari, Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam, AJK Prime Minister, Speaker of AJK Legislative Assembly, AJK Chief Secretary and IG Police for their constructive role and effective consultation to find an immediate solution to the people’s demands.
He said the 250 million people of Pakistan always supported Kashmiri people and raised their voices at international forums, exemplifying the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s address at the recently held OIC Summit in Gambia.
Prime Minister also highlighted the Indian atrocities in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the plight of Kashmiris languishing in Tihar jail, and assured that Pakistan would continue extending its moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmir cause.
He said the Indian ruling party could not contest election in IIOJK under its real name which shows their fear of public anger for Indian human rights abuses in the territory.
In his remarks, AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwaar ul Haq said that Prime Minister Shehbaz’s visit to AJK manifests the value Pakistan accords to Azad Jammu and Kashmir.