MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, while addressing a public gathering here on Friday after the PML-N's Azad Jammu and Kashmir electoral win, said: "We are waiting for the day Kashmir becomes Pakistan."

In his first public address following his return from London after open-heart surgery in May, Nawaz urged Kashmiris "not to forget those in held Kashmir who are sacrificing their lives to their movement for freedom".

"Their movement for freedom cannot be stopped and it will be successful. You are aware of how they are being beaten and killed. All our prayers are with them and we are waiting for the day Kashmir becomes Pakistan."

PML-N is set to form the next government in AJK as the unofficial results of a general election for 41 direct seats of the AJK Legislative Assembly on Thursday suggested a landslide victory for the party.

Know more: PML-N set to form govt in AJK

"I saw the election results at night and thought that if our victory is evident, I will travel to Muzaffarabad to congratulate my brothers and sisters. I was told to go tomorrow or day after tomorrow, but said I can't wait, I want to go tonight," he told a cheering crowd.

The premier thanked the people of AJK for their support, conveying his gratitude to the crowd for their prayers for his recovery.

He slammed those engaging in "negative politics" against the PML-N and congratulated AJK for voting for the party.

"You saw how much they spoke against Nawaz Sharif in Muzaffarabad... But Nawaz Sharif didn't answer to any of this because political success comes not from holding dharnas, but actually doing something."

"The PML-N is setting a new record for progress in Pakistan," he claimed. "You cheer for me because you know Nawaz Sharif will build motorways."

The premier asked the crowd to cheer for Pakistan, cheer for AJK and cheer for freedom of India-held Kashmir.

Opinion

Editorial

Missing links
Updated 27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

As the past decades have shown, the country has not been made more secure by ‘disappearing’ people suspected of wrongdoing.
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...
Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...