Nawaz urges dialogue, peace as PML-N reviews situation in Azad Kashmir
ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif expressed concern over the political situation in Azad Kashmir and urged all stakeholders to pursue dialogue and peaceful solutions within the constitutional framework.
Sharif made the remarks while chairing a meeting to review the political and administrative situation in Azad Kashmir. The meeting was attended by PML-N leaders from Azad Kashmir and senior party officials.
Addressing participants, Sharif said the party maintains a clear position on the Kashmir issue and supports the right of the people of Indian-administered Kashmir to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions.
He said PML-N has consistently prioritized constitutional rights, public welfare and development in Azad Kashmir, adding that the recent situation should not have escalated to its current level.
“This country belongs to all of us, and struggles for public rights should be carried out within the bounds of the Constitution,” Sharif said, adding that the party would continue to play its role alongside other democratic forces.
He urged the people of Kashmir to maintain their ideological and historical ties with Pakistan while remaining peaceful, calling for protest sit-ins to be ended and replaced with meaningful negotiations.
Sharif expressed hope that the people of Azad Kashmir, local authorities, the federal government and political parties would work together to help restore peace and stability in the region.
The PML-N president also emphasized the importance of promoting tolerance and political harmony, saying Kashmiris have made immense sacrifices for Pakistan and that Islamabad has consistently supported their cause.
Referring to the current national environment, Sharif said the government and Pakistan’s defense institutions had achieved significant successes and cautioned against actions that could serve the interests of hostile forces.
The meeting also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in recent incidents in Azad Kashmir and offered prayers for the deceased.
Sharif additionally praised Ameer Muqam for his role in organizing election campaigns in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.