PESHAWAR, Aug 4: Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat Khan has said India has always deceived the Kashmiris on the pretext of dialogue, suggesting that Islamabad must be aware of their tactics.
He said the Kashmiris had rendered numerous sacrifices for their freedom, and warned that India could not subjugate them for long. He was speaking on Wednesday at a function held in connection with the allotment of five marla plots on the outskirts of the city to Kashmiri refugees residing in Peshawar, said a handout.
Provincial Minister for Information Asif Iqbal Daudzai presided over the event. Sardar Sikandar Hayat said the role of Pathans could not be forgotten in the struggle for the freedom of Kashmir.
He said the Kashmiris had over 50-year-old relations with the Pathans, saying that these ties, which were based on mutual love, fraternity and ideological harmony, would last long.
He said the housing scheme was initiated 16 years ago to provide shelter to the Kashmiri, but its transfer to the refugees delayed. He apologised for the delay, saying that though his government was not responsible for it.
Under this five marla scheme, as many as 103 refugees were given allotment orders. The premier said the plan was not meant for commercial purposes, and warned that the allotment of those who sold their plots would be cancelled.
The AJK prime minister demanded that the Frontier government should provide Sui gas to the colony. The premier assured that he would approach the NWFP governor and the chief minister to reserve quota for the Kashmiri refugees in the women medical college and various other housing schemes.
Speaking on the occasion, NWFP Minister for Information Asif Iqbal Daudzai paid rich tributes to the Frontier people for hospitality, support and cooperation to the refugees.
Asif Iqbal welcomed the AJK prime minister in the Frontier province and assured all possible cooperation on behalf of the provincial government in providing civic amenities to the colony.
Provincial Minister Hafiz Hashmat, Board of Revenue member Raja Farooq, Women Minister Shireen Waheed Khan, Member AJK Legislative Assembly Abdul Waheed Khan, Peshawar Nazim Union Council Saeed Butt also spoke on the occasion. -APP
