MUZAFFARABAD: PTI Chairman Imran Khan has expressed satisfaction over the “policies and performance” of Sardar Tanveer Ilyas led government of his party in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and has warned the federal government against creating political instability in the territory.

“Any attempt to take an unconstitutional action or meddling in the affairs of Azad Jammu and Kashmir will be repelled by fierce resistance,” a press release issued by the AJK press information department on Monday quoted Mr Khan as saying at a meeting with PM Ilyas at his Bani Gala residence late on Sunday night.

According to the press release, Mr Khan accepted a formal invitation by PM Ilyas to attend and address a public meeting in Muzaffarabad on September 29.

Both Mr Khan and Mr Ilyas resolved to leave no stone unturned to address the problems of the AJK people apart from carrying on the role for Kashmir freedom struggle in accordance with the PTI policy.

Creating hurdles in the path of the AJK government and slashing and stopping its recurring and development budget is tantamount to working against the freedom movement, they said.

According to the press release, the PTI chairman recalled that he had not only given an impactful increment in the AJK’s development budget, notwithstanding the fact that the territory was ruled by PML-N, but had also released AJK’s share in time so that the territory’s government and people did not face any troubles or worries.

Both leaders also discussed the forthcoming local bodies elections in AJK and Mr Khan directed that PTI workers should gear themselves up to take on their opponents in the polls. Mr Khan also paid rich tributes to the people of occupied Kashmir and said his party’s policy on Kashmir issue was crystal clear from day one.

“We strongly condemn the ongoing repression and tyranny of the Indian government in occupied Kashmir and will raise voice for the right to self-determination of the valiant Kashmiris at every forum,” the press release quoted Mr Khan as saying on the occasion.

Emboldened by the trust of Mr Khan in his policies and performance, Mr Ilyas said in a statement afterwards that he would carry on his mission to serve the people of the state with more zeal and zest in accordance with the vision of his chairman.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2022