MUZAFFARABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regional president and senior minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas on Monday cautiously admitted a “vacuum” in the performance of his party’s government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), emphasising that steps were needed to meet the targets set by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

“Prime Minister Imran Khan is extremely sensitive vis-à-vis development and progress of Azad Kashmir. At my hands, you will observe a change in this territory that is your dream as well as the commitment of Prime Minister Imran Khan to you,” he said at an informal media talk, while reiterating his plans for promotion of tourism in the territory.

In reply to a question, Mr Ilyas recalled that Prime Minister Khan had set two main goals for the AJK government at the time of its inception, which were provision of relief to the common men and holding of ruthless accountability.

“I think something is missing on both fronts and we have to [do more to] deliver,” he said.

He maintained that Mr Khan was the leader of all PTI members and his decision on any issue was like a commandment for his followers.

“We ran the election campaign in Azad Kashmir. But when the party secured victory in polls, the prime minister (Imran Khan) decided that Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi will be the leader of the house and we all submitted ourselves to his choice. If tomorrow he gives us any other order, we will go by it in letter and in spirit,” he said.

“In parliamentary politics, such things do happen but one thing should remain loud and clear that we will stick to what Prime Minister Imran Khan will decide for us because he is our quaid and we are his obsequious followers.”

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2022