MUZAFFARABAD: A senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq of conniving in the spread of anti-Pakistan sentiments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), adding that those who paved the way for his election to this office in the dead of night last year should engage in self-reflection for the significant damage caused.

“In AJK, there has always been a role of the establishment [in government formation]. But this time, the wrestler they unleashed in full public view in the ring has inflicted damage on pro-Pakistan sentiments that it may take two decades to repair,” said Chaudhry Tariq Farooq, PML-N’s regional secretary general and AJK’s former senior minister, during a candid conversation with a select group of journalists.

Mr Farooq, who is an electoral rival of Mr Haq, was in Muzaffarabad to witness the hearing of his writ petition challenging the recent appointment by the prime minister of Mushtaq Ahmed Janjua as chairman of the AJK Ehtesab Bureau.

“By giving the impression of being on the same page with the powers that be, the controversial prime minister has not only crippled political parties but also eroded people’s affection and commitment to institutions, which itself warrants serious accountability,” he said.

The PML-N leader claimed that there had been some realization, albeit limited, of the damage caused by Mr Haq’s approach, prompting outreach efforts to various political leaders for damage control.

“We hold all institutions in high regard. In our state, there has always been a culture of political tolerance and respect. But the sitting premier has introduced a culture of vengeance and hatred,” he remarked.

“I, along with most of my colleagues, firmly believe that unless those who have damaged Pakistan’s interests and the peaceful, inclusive culture of our state are held accountable, things will not improve. Those who have taken upon themselves to bring about positive change in the liberated territory must play their part in this regard,” he added.

Mr Farooq noted that soon after taking office, Mr Haq had made grand claims about recovering allegedly embezzled public funds from politicians and bureaucrats, but time had shown these statements were merely aimed at “intimidating and blackmailing” others.

In this context, the PML-N leader referenced former premier Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, who was initially accused of embezzling over Rs 600 million from the PM’s secret fund.

“Instead of taking tangible action to recover the allegedly embezzled amount, he recently reconciled with the former premier to secure his rule, clearly demonstrating that all such claims were hollow,” Mr Farooq said.

He further alleged that Mr Haq was sustaining his government through support from the powers that be, much like Imran Khan once did in Pakistan.

“The moment this support is withdrawn, you won’t see a single lawmaker by his side. His government will collapse instantly,” he predicted.

In response to a question, Mr Farooq clarified that it was a misconception that PML-N was part of the government in AJK. In reality, only the parliamentary party—excluding former premier Raja Farooq Haider—was in the government, while the party itself remained in opposition.

He added that the PML-N working committee had recently and unanimously called for exiting the coalition government as it was proving counterproductive for the party.

“We will soon seek an audience with our leader, Mian Nawaz Sharif, to inform him of the harm this so-called inclusion has been causing to PML-N and the sentiments of party workers across the state.”

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2024