August 04, 2006	Friday	Rajab 8, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 3: Prime Minister Azad Kashmir Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan has rejected the opposition’s demand for fresh elections in AJK.

Talking to Dawn he said the opposition should accept the verdict given by the people through the ballot instead of baseless allegations of rigging.

He said the AJK elections could be termed as a model of fair polls and pointed out that the turnout remained between 53-54 per cent despite the earthquake dilemma.

“The AJK election results are significant in the context of the prevailing global and regional conditions and the international urge for peaceful and amicable solution of the Kashmir dispute,” he said.

Sardar Attique supported the idea of self-governance and demilitarisation and said that India must positively respond to the proposal and desist from vitiating the atmosphere by hurling allegations against Pakistan.

“The Indian allegations regarding the presence of training camps in AJK bear no rational because the entire international community was present in the region following the October 8 earthquake,” the AJK premier said.

Sardar Attique said that the international urge for solution of the Kashmir issue was increasing and the peace initiatives of President Musharraf were internationally being appreciated.

Start of the bus service across the Line of Control was a significant development because it was a cherished ambition and a longstanding demand of the divided Kashmiri families.

The initiative would yield far-reaching results to strengthen peace process in the region, he said.

When asked what would be his government’s priorities, he said main emphasise would be given on an earlier rehabilitation of the earthquake affected areas and to create ideological and political stability in AJK.

He said the Muslim Conference being an ideological party would play enhanced role to ensure the continuity of Kashmiris’ commitment with the idea of Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan. “We believe that Kashmir liberation movement is in fact the movement for completion of Pakistan,” he remarked.

The AJK prime minister said that the government would use available resources to enhance development activities in all areas and no stone would be left unturned to ensure good governance.