Waiting for the day Kashmir becomes Pakistan: Nawaz

Dawn.com Published July 22, 2016

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.

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PML-N set to form govt in AJK

mahboob

Jul 22, 2016 04:39pm

Kashmir is Pakistan. We love our brothers living there. They are in our hearts.

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Koshur

Jul 22, 2016 04:50pm

Kashmir is better free niether india nor pakistan or else your rivalry will never end . And we do not to be victims in this . We appreciate you respect your sentiments for us but sometimes for better relations to thrive on needs to set other free and other needs to live seperately . Thats something indians ignore .

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Iffim

Jul 22, 2016 04:49pm

Congrats PMNS

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Aamir

Jul 22, 2016 05:08pm

Solid words...

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Pakistan

Jul 22, 2016 05:10pm

Don't wait... Pick the case up

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Fawad A Khan

Jul 22, 2016 05:13pm

"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." Yes we understand. If you had lost, you would never visit that place. Bravo

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Sal

Jul 22, 2016 05:13pm

Wishing and hoping for Kashmir to come to Pakistan is not enough. What are you really doing about it?

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s.khan

Jul 22, 2016 05:21pm

this man has some thing big in his mind .

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larka

Jul 22, 2016 05:28pm

I hope so.

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Houlbelat

Jul 22, 2016 05:32pm

The day is not far. Right movement has started and this time it is spearheaded by the zealous youth. It will compel the unyielding stubborn Indian rulers to open eyes wide to read the writing on every wall.

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Shehroz

Jul 22, 2016 05:30pm

Nawaz Shareef - The PM of the Nation !

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سے Shaam (Hanafi)

Jul 22, 2016 05:32pm

He should have said "Independent" and not part of Pakistan or Pakistan.

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bz202

Jul 22, 2016 05:35pm

Lion's roar

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50 Shades of Khaki

Jul 22, 2016 05:45pm

Despite having won a landslide victory NS chose not to indulge in mudslinging like Bilawal and Imran did during their visits to AJK. That's the difference between him and 'them'

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Abdulla Hussain

Jul 22, 2016 05:44pm

"We are waiting for the day Kashmir becomes Pakistan." Mr. PM already Kashmiris have been waiting for long now is time to do some real international diplomatic efforts to highlight the plights of Kashmiri peoples. Some real intelligent move can fulfill the ardent dreams of the Kashmiri peoples. Form a special task force comprising high ranking officers travelling to all Muslim & other countries with a single agenda to amass support for the Kashmir cause. Sitting and talking only will not help. India will not give up Kashmir until under high pressure from international communities to do so.

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Yaqoob Ali

Jul 22, 2016 05:48pm

There is a need for rational thinking than making hawkish claims. Seventy years is a long time and we have wasted enough resources (both human and material) on futile efforts.

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GAK Wazir

Jul 22, 2016 05:50pm

Public mandate must be accepted. The Kashmiri brethern may expect some thing from the central government to be done.

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Muhammad Zafar iqbal

Jul 22, 2016 05:55pm

That's the real leader , who have spoken openly for the rights of Kashmiris especially for people across the LOC , who are struggling and eventually sacrificing for the independence of held Kashmir from Indian occupant forces , We as a nation should stand united and avoid politics of agitation which pay nothing but render damage very much as this fact is quite evident that people have rejected DHARNI Mafia and their cronies . Pakistan Zindabad .

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Shary

Jul 22, 2016 05:55pm

No matter what others say about him.. NS is the last great leader we have in Pakistan...

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kalim

Jul 22, 2016 05:56pm

Congratulations Nawaf Sharif! You guys are doing a great job and no wonder the people of Pakistan are voting for you. Please do not lose focus on the projects, rid us of corruption and then no power in the world can stop us from uniting us with our Kashmiri brothers on both sides!

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Maxx

Jul 22, 2016 06:02pm

Independent Kashmir, an idea whose time has come...

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zulfi.khan

Jul 22, 2016 06:05pm

Well politicians right from General Ayub to Musharraf to Nawaz Sharif has been using Kashmir for fooling people. The strength of nation today comes from education, development and growth - not by begging to US for our maintenance. It is height of ignorance to think that few stone throwing youths will force India to handover Kashmir to Pakistan. It is our stupidity to both elect and cheer such leaders - who invest in Panama, holiday in Dubai and get treated in London. Its time we focus on development, mere talks have fooled us Pakistanis for long. Our youth are risking life and limbs for asylum to Europe and we are still singing Kashmir Kashmir. Its time we ask NS some tough questions

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naji

Jul 22, 2016 06:09pm

You did nothing for Pakistan in your 35 years of govt., how you can say will will con-quire Kashmir in next 2 years. You have no hospital for your own VIP treatment or you do not trust existing hospitals and doctors.

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asad

Jul 22, 2016 06:19pm

i am with you on that

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Khurram Jadoon

Jul 22, 2016 06:21pm

InshaAllah!

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AXH

Jul 22, 2016 06:26pm

Kashmir needs to become a separate entity and part of Pakistan.

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Ravi Vancouver

Jul 22, 2016 06:27pm

@سے Shaam (Hanafi) Impressive rehetoric by PM Nawaz Sharif very pleasing to all Pakistanis. Pakistan has to act to free Kashmiris from Indian forces only talking shall not help. UN can not do anything, China and all Pakistan's other Muslim friendly countries can help to force India to hand over Kashmir to its rightful owner, Pakistan. PM emotionally said Kashmir to become Pakistan which already exists, Kashmir need to become part of Pakistan. With PM's sincere efforts and full public support inshallah Kasmir shall very soon become part of Pakistan.

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Maxx

Jul 22, 2016 06:34pm

...you can stop the march of soldiers and enemy, but you cannot stop the blossoming of 'an idea whose time has come'...an idea of 'Independent Kashmir'.

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saagar

Jul 22, 2016 06:37pm

Good job Mr PM..Great Leader indeed... Keep on doing the good work...

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Sonny Afridi

Jul 22, 2016 06:37pm

Kashmir is Pakistan, Pakistan is Kashmir.

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Publius

Jul 22, 2016 06:41pm

Yes. Build roads, not schools, not hospitals. Keep the masses as unwashed as possible so that they constantly behave out of self interest instead of principle? Those planting statements on behalf of this corrupt self enriching person cannot answer the simple question: why, after presenting himself and his family for accountability three times is he running away from it? The answer always is: because the other guys.... You cheer for me because I build roads. Yep: the Pakistanis voter is just as corrupt and saleable as their leaders. Pakistanis: as you sow so shall you reap: by every measure of a nation, Pakistan is a nation in regression. And the responsibility lays squarely on the head of the corrupt electorate. The leadership is an accurate reflection of that.

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aamir ayub

Jul 22, 2016 06:50pm

Nawaz Sharif is right. He is not used of mudslinging on others as compare to other politcians like Imran Khan, Bilawal, Tahir ul Qadri and Sheikh Rasheed. One believe now NS opposite will mend their ways and come in the real world to criticise NS govt policies. well done Azad Kashmiri people. One suggest a long dialogue between India and Pakistan with the pesence of Kashmiri people too. A joint decision abt the kashmir's fate should be decided by all the three and even both paksitan and india could lay it own the kashmiri people to do what they want to do. Neither India or nor Pakistan should have objection if the Kashmiri people choose to remain with India, or Pakistan, or not both of them and they want to live Independent.

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Yaqoob Ali

Jul 22, 2016 06:58pm

Electoral politics works in a mysterious way. Unrealistic claims, hawkish promises, and populist phrases are the hallmark of "getting votes." Realities and loud noises do not mix quite well and we have seen this over and again. So please sit back and think with a cool mind the ways to resolve the regional issues. Also please note that wars, or war like tactics do not help to resolve the conflict but there is something called "diplomacy" that has worked all through the history of modern state system.

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ALI

Jul 22, 2016 07:09pm

"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 one statement says it all when the PM measure the progress of the Nation through building of motorways. The results in Azad Kashmir election are embarrassing for PTI and others - clearly how poor the alternatives are to PML-N with a tunnel vision that can not see past Sharifs and motorways.

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Blue

Jul 22, 2016 07:12pm

Great talk .... But simple question I couldn't understand Why elected Kashmiri sit in Indian parliament but Pakistani parliament doesn't have any representation in Pakistan's national assembly?? can anyone answer

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anony

Jul 22, 2016 07:15pm

Kashmir is Pakistan.

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saeeds

Jul 22, 2016 07:20pm

And Than what?

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Leo

Jul 22, 2016 07:24pm

Don't see this happening for another 100 years..

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M. Malik

Jul 22, 2016 07:43pm

Let's hope there's something left of a state called Pakistan - with all the rampant looting and plunder going on. Kashmir should be last of our worries.

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Zulfi

Jul 22, 2016 07:44pm

Such statements are nothing more than rhetoric. It is for the people of Kashmir (both Azad and occupied) to decide their own fate thru a plebiscite held under UN supervision

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Jul 22, 2016 08:17pm

Good Luck !!!

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Muzaffar Ali

Jul 22, 2016 08:56pm

Kashmir loves to join Pakistan because we are an excellent roll model to follow!

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Jalaluddin S. Hussain

Jul 22, 2016 09:01pm

While it is good news that PML (N) won in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the federal government of Pakistan must take effective and immediate steps to improve the economic and employment condition of Pakistan itself.

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Krishna

Jul 22, 2016 09:03pm

@zulfi.khan Zulfi bhai, how many people can think and talk like you. Appreciate your comments. All of us need to live like brothers and sisters. Only then we can eliminate poverty - the most important agenda for all of us.

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mohammed kaif

Jul 22, 2016 09:04pm

already 70 years have passed with the same rhetoric.carry on forever while pakistan is still lagging behind and all countries in the world have developed

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Rehan ahmed

Jul 22, 2016 09:07pm

Way to go p.m. Kashmir is proud of u

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Jahangir

Jul 22, 2016 09:07pm

Voice of people of pakistan pmns. He developed pakistan and now pakistan and kashmir stands with pmns.

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SKG

Jul 22, 2016 09:16pm

Please take care of your country first, things are getting worst day by day. And also make good hospitals, so next time you don't have to rush aboard for treatment.

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gurpreet singh

Jul 22, 2016 09:17pm

With respect I say 70 yrs gone and another 70 yrs Will pass ,I don't see this probability coming.

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kumar

Jul 22, 2016 09:32pm

@zulfi.khan , bhai what a rational thinking..appreciate you ...... the mindset of masses is same all over sub continent. That's why we are not progressing well compared to west.

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Salman

Jul 22, 2016 09:47pm

What an irony! These politicians make fool of people and people start praising them. A sorry state of affairs.

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Seneca

Jul 22, 2016 09:47pm

"You cheer for me because you know Nawaz Sharif will build motorways." I think people will cheer when a school and hospital is built, terrorism and extremism eradicated, when they have jobs,when they have food. Whats the point of a motorway when you will die of hunger, terrorism or disease?

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Jazib

Jul 22, 2016 09:54pm

Good going NS!

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Jason

Jul 22, 2016 09:57pm

@Koshur A very realistic statement. Unfortunate that so few see this. Kashmir has been nothing but the biggest headache and point of contention between the two countries. At some point you "have to ask", is it worth it, and how do I plan to pay for it? Arms spending keeps going up along with poverty rates. Are "all" of our differences based on just one issue? If so, how long can we afford to continue this issue? Kashmiris should be allowed to do what they please, but Indian would "have to" agree to it. Pakistan has "nothing" to do with it. Why is this so difficult to understand???

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Gullu Badsha

Jul 22, 2016 10:31pm

What have YOU done in this regard Mr. Sharif ? What is YOUR contribution ?

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SanCha

Jul 22, 2016 10:52pm

Those Kashmiris who are feeling that - They will be Happier in Pakistan, they are the most foolish people in the world. It is their luck that they are with the world's most promising nation with very good future prospects.

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Zubaida khan

Jul 22, 2016 10:58pm

The lion roars!

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gknatarajan

Jul 22, 2016 10:59pm

@Yaqoob Ali these hakinsh remarks is just, diverting attention from the internal problems, he is facing like PANAMA papers, oppositon at home?

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Alba

Jul 22, 2016 11:00pm

A good sales pitch for reelection. Nawaz is outshouting the PPP.

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Pal

Jul 22, 2016 11:10pm

Rhetoric and day dreaming. Please keep talking of merging Kashmir with Pak for eons to come. It sounds nice and pleasing to Pakistanis definitely. Reality is different...

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Manish

Jul 22, 2016 11:11pm

@zulfi.khan highly appreciated.thanks for showng immense maturity

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Ouzzy ajk

Jul 22, 2016 11:30pm

@kumar well why dont u grant kashmiris want they want and end it?. Who agrees with your views is rational and who ever dosent is..... well you fill the gap. Btw is that being not rational itself. You missed all the comments bd only picked that one, because it fits your view.

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Sarver Ahmed

Jul 22, 2016 11:42pm

I Love my Pakistan. I am from Kashmir and I am waiting for the day when I can write on my passport citizenship Pakistani.

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Jul 22, 2016 11:54pm

Mr, Nawaz with your policy of appeasement of the BJP-led government the wait will be even longer...

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Canadian

Jul 23, 2016 12:20am

Mr. Nawaz Sharif is trying to gain some points by making such statement. He is well aware that his wish will never come through in his life and thereafter. He is simply fooling the people of Pakistan and diverting their attention away from his Panama activities.

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lordofthering

Jul 23, 2016 12:33am

Nawaz dream is really admirable.

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Anthony

Jul 23, 2016 12:41am

@MUZAFFAR ALI -- Loved your comment!! Nice one!!

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Mohammed Sattar

Jul 23, 2016 12:46am

Pakistan will never prosper until we get rid of the chamcha mentality which we foster to whoever is in power. It's no good making speeches and fooling the general public while siphoning money from Pakistan and investing it in offshore companies. Pakistan need to hold their leaders to account then and only then Pakistan will prosper.

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Krishna Upadhya

Jul 23, 2016 12:47am

@mahboob You have a big heart indeed!

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Dard-e-Dil

Jul 23, 2016 02:50am

Mr PM, you want Kashmir to be a part of Pakistan, Indian PM wants Kashmir to be a part of India, have you ever thought what the Kashmiri's want?

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AntiZak

Jul 23, 2016 02:58am

At least first develop Pakistan and improve the economy. Otherwise it won't take long for the Kashmiris to be disillusioned from Pakistan too. How will you feed them and invest on their development with so much debt? You can't afford to pay for 8 F-16s and yet you think you will be able to handle millions of more people? But that is the right message for the next election to fool the public and win the votes.

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Jul 23, 2016 03:55am

India and Pakistan should stop claiming Kashmir and allow the people of Kashmir to establish their own free and independent state

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Shaheen

Jul 23, 2016 05:06am

Kashmir is independent! We don't belong to India or Pakistan. Leave us alone.

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DMDIL

Jul 23, 2016 06:26am

Inshallah, it will be part of Pakistan one day.

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Yankee Cricket Fan

Jul 23, 2016 07:21am

All the politicians are two-faced liars. They only make these statements to ensure they continue to get re-elected.

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Lotif

Jul 23, 2016 07:25am

@zulfi.khan 110 percent agree with you . I hope more people listen to you. Thanks for sharing you thoughts.

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Lahori Kid

Jul 23, 2016 09:06am

@Koshur Couldn't agree more, I have said it many times, Let Kashmiri's have their own land, it does not and should not belong to India or Pakistan.

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Alex USA

Jul 23, 2016 09:05am

The Pak Army is not in favor of resolving the Kashmir dispute, because it will basically end their existence. If there was no problem with India, then why do both of these countries need such huge Armies, which they both can barely afford? I believe if this problem is solved, there will be a new Era of peace and prosperity that will benefit both countries tremendously.

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Lahori Kid

Jul 23, 2016 09:09am

What he needs to be working towards is peace, peace in the region, peace in Kashmir, its heart breaking to read about innocent lives being lost, the treatment, the beatings. To say can't wait until Kashmir becomes Pakistan is unfair to Kashmiri people. Their sacrifices, their dying in vein, all for nothing than. I wish Kashmiri people would make it clear that they want their own country, that will eliminate any ideas Indian and Pakistani politicians may have.

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Farooq

Jul 23, 2016 09:11am

There are Kashmiris who have been living in Pakistan before and after partition too. They would also want a just settlement of the Kashmir issue by the people who live in Kashmir in the 70 years of conflict and for them to decide the future.

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Alarmed Khan

Jul 23, 2016 09:55am

@سے Shaam (Hanafi) : At least Nawaz Sharif was honest about his real goal! You, on the other hand, are dissembling!

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jawhar

Jul 23, 2016 10:31am

Kashmir along with USA and Europe will soon become part of Pakistan. We are all anxiously waiting for that great day, along with Nawaz

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shahzaib latif

Jul 23, 2016 10:45am

Why kasmir become Pak, why not kashmir become a developed and true kashmir. Is there no status of kashmir to decide its fate. As far as PM speech is concerned it will not change the fate. Azad kashmir will remain as it has been since 6 decades.

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Farhan

Jul 23, 2016 10:52am

Kashmir is the heart of Pakistan Kashmiri lives in Pakistanis heart. Great victory

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Dipak

Jul 23, 2016 11:06am

Zulfikhan a couragious man who talks on ground reality .

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amir_indian

Jul 23, 2016 11:08am

@mahboob really what about plebiscite of UN ?

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F.S.Shah

Jul 23, 2016 11:16am

Mr. Sharif himself said that some four attempts by Pakistan to snatch Kashmir from Indians were totally disastrous. In 1971 it lost the entire East Pakistan. This bravado will not work - repeat not work. Mr. Sharif should note that the Indians are no longer in a state of slumber. One thing for sure - The Indians and Pakistani politicians are very good at chest thumping.

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amir_indian

Jul 23, 2016 11:20am

@Zubaida khan The Lion Roars in Cat Voice

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Mahen

Jul 23, 2016 12:39pm

@سے Shaam (Hanafi) Why not? Why hide the truth?

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N D Gaur

Jul 23, 2016 01:21pm

@zulfi.khan Beautifully put!

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Ashfaq

Jul 23, 2016 02:27pm

It beats me to understand why Kashmiris should ever wish to be with Pakistan, a regressive country. If they want to be independent that is understandable.

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anurag singh

Jul 23, 2016 08:08pm

Good luck! Keep waiting.

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Mansoor Khan

Jul 23, 2016 08:31pm

Kashmir should be Kashmir! Neither with India nor with Pakistan, but friend with both.

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Tiger

Jul 23, 2016 08:35pm

Wow! Just one sentence from PM made him hero as per the commets. Thats the power of 'Kashmir' in Pakistan.All the best Mr.Sharif.

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Badshah

Jul 24, 2016 05:33am

@Koshur yes Kashmiris have suffered enough they should be a free country maintaining good relations both with Pakistan and India so that its people can live in peace

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Mo Ash

Jul 24, 2016 06:15am

It is for the people of Kashmir to decide their future and not India or Pakistan.

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vmo

Jul 25, 2016 11:54am

@Maxx "Independent Kashmir, an idea whose time has come... an idea whose time has come and gone......

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