MUZAFFARABAD: Foreseeing the installation of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led governments in centre and Punjab, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) chapter of PML-N on Wednesday claimed that the party would soon lead the governments in Muzaffarabad and Gilgit as well.

“A great political change is on the cards in the wake of the establishment of PML-N led governments in Centre and the largest province of Punjab which will not only send a positive message across the Line of Control but also help adopt a categorical stand at the international level regarding the ongoing freedom movement in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” said PML-N’s regional president Shah Ghulam Qadir in a statement.

“The PML-N workers must promote harmony and unity among themselves and launch vigorous political activities across the liberated territory because shortly after the Centre and Punjab, the PML-N will also form its governments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan,” he added.

Mr Qadir’s statement came two days after the parliamentary party of the PTI forward bloc, which leads the coalition government in AJK, met in Kashmir House where, according to an official handout, “some members expressed reservations about a political ally. Though the ally was not named in the handout, it was widely believed to be directed at the PML-N.

In the earlier portion of his statement, Mr Qadir welcomed the understanding between the PML-N and PPP on the formation of government(s), believing that the move would bless the country with the much-needed economic and political stability.

“The split mandate in the recent general elections had put the political leadership of both parties to the test but they have once again proved their high political insight by making wise decisions which will lead to the establishment of strong federal and provincial governments and subsequently strengthen democracy and bring economic and political stability in the country,” he said.

He said the PML-N workers stood behind every decision of their beloved leader Mohammad Nawaz Sharif and they firmly believed that there would be a significant change in the country’s situation as soon as the party’s nominees - president Shehbaz Sharif and chief organiser Maryam Nawaz - assumed the office of prime minister of Pakistan and chief minister of the Punjab, respectively.

Mr Qadir alleged that PTI had plunged the country’s economy into an abysmal state due to non-seriousness and incompetence.

“While weak economic conditions and inconsiderate and careless leadership provided India with an opportunity for the constitutional occupation of occupied Jammu and Kashmir on the one hand, attempts were also made to destroy political atmosphere in the peaceful region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on the other, thus multiplying the frustration of the Kashmiri nation,” he said.

He asserted that Sharif brothers had always kept Kashmir at the top of their priorities and he had no qualms about saying that residents of the liberated territory would equally benefit from peace, progress and prosperity in Pakistan following the installation of PML-N governments in centre and Punjab.

Mr Qadir said the way the PML-N AJK chapter workers, including Kashmiri refugees and AJK domicile holders living in Pakistan, had enthusiastically participated in the recent elections for the success of their party was commendable and highly valued by the party leadership.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2024