MUZAFFARABAD: Act­­ing President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chaudhry Tariq Farooq on Thursday stressed the need for political stability, continuity of democratic traditions and consensus among political forces, saying the government’s foremost priority should be addressing public grievances and meeting people’s expectations.

He expressed these views in separate meetings with three PML-N lawmakers — former AJK prime minister Raja Farooq Haider, Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed and Maryam Idrees — during which they discussed the prevailing political situation, ongoing consultations over the formation of a new cabinet and other matters of mutual interest, according to official handouts.

The acting president said the incoming government would have to utilise all resources to meet public expectations, while better coordination and cooperation among state institutions would be essential to addressing the challenges confronting AJK.

He called for collective efforts to promote public welfare, good governance and development in the region, while urging elected representatives to focus on issues confronting their constituents and play their role in resolving them.

Talking to Mr Haider, the acting president stressed the need for political stability, continuity of democratic traditions and a focus on issues affecting the public. They agreed on promoting consultation and political tolerance amid the prevailing political situation.

During his meeting with Mr Rukhsar, who has returned from Mirpur, Mr Farooq said political stability, promotion of democratic traditions and resolution of public problems should be the government’s foremost priorities.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2026