SHANGLA: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Safron Eng Amir Muqam has said that the people of Kashmir are full of passion and hold deep love for Pakistan and its army.

Mr Muqam made the remarks while addressing the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected cabinet of the Shangla bar association in Alpuri here the other day, following his return from Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

He said that the people of Shangla had made history by standing against terrorism and sacrificing for the country.

Mr Muqam, who is also president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reiterated that his achievements were rooted in the unwavering support of Shangla people.

He affirmed that he would continue to play his role in the development of Shangla whenever the opportunity arises.

Congratulating the new members of the district bar, the federal minister expressed best wishes and hoped that the new leadership would work sincerely for the welfare of the legal community.

“I have always stood by you and will continue to do so,” he assured the bar members. He acknowledged the special status of the Shangla bar association, praising it for consistently raising its voice on key issues. He expressed gratitude for being made an honorary member of the bar association.

Mr Muqam strongly condemned India’s baseless allegations against Pakistan, stating, “Without any evidence, New Delhi has started a series of accusations, which is regrettable.”

“Our desire is peace,” he said. “But if India imposes war, the entire nation will stand with the Pakistan Army and defeat any aggression.”

Sharing his recent experience of spending some days on the Line of Control in AJK, he noted, “The people of Kashmir are full of passion and love Pakistan and its army immensely. This passion is unbeatable.”

“This is the difference between us and India,” he added. “Our people love the Pakistan Army, and if there is a war, every citizen will support it. The entire nation is united, just as our ancestors were during the freedom movement of Kashmir. It is an honour for us to become martyrs or ghazis in the protection of our country.”

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2025