MUZAFFARABAD ( WNAM REPORT):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on Thursday, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmir cause and stated that the Kashmiri people’s struggle for the right to self-determination would continue until its logical conclusion in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and announced a special development package for the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Addressing a special session of the AJK Legislative Assembly held on Kashmir Solidarity Day, the prime minister paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, and underlined that history bears witness that Kashmiris can sacrifice their lives and children but will never compromise on their freedom.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound grief over the demise of former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry. He recalled the late leader’s lifelong dedication to the Kashmir freedom movement and acknowledged the political services of his father, Chaudhry Noor Hussain, among the founding political figures of AJK. The house observed Fateha for the departed soul.
The prime minister saluted martyrs of the Kashmir struggle from Burhan Wani to veteran leader Syed Ali Geelani and paid homage to leaders, activists, journalists, women and children, including Asiya Andrabi, Yasin Malik and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. He said the blood of innocent Kashmiris had exposed India’s narrative before the world.
PM Shehbaz Sharif said Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had declared Kashmir as Pakistan’s jugular vein, which continues to form the basis of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He maintained that durable peace in South Asia was not possible unless India abandoned its hegemonic ambitions and respected the fundamental rights of Kashmiris.
Linking Kashmir with Palestine, the prime minister said granting oppressed peoples the right to live according to their will was a test of the international community’s commitment to democracy, justice and international law. He added that Pakistan would continue to play an active role in the peaceful resolution of both issues.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a comprehensive package for Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including construction of Danish Schools, establishment of a world-class Danish University in Muzaffarabad focused on modern technology, IT, artificial intelligence and scientific research, enhancement of stipends for Kashmiri migrants, merit-based laptop distribution, scholarships under the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund, water supply schemes, hydropower projects, bridge construction and increased funding for universities, including women’s higher education institutions.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured that Pakistan would continue full cooperation with Azad Jammu and Kashmir regardless of political changes, urging unity, perseverance and collective resolve to achieve national development goals and advance the Kashmir cause.
“Pakistan Zindabad, brave Kashmiri people Zindabad,” he said amid applause in the house.
Earlier, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, while welcoming the prime minister, thanked him for visiting AJK for the third time in a short span, calling it a clear manifestation of his deep affection and commitment to the Kashmiri people. He said Pakistan’s political leadership, irrespective of party lines, had always stood united on the Kashmir issue and never discriminated in its support for Kashmiris.
Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said Indian forces had failed to suppress the Kashmiri spirit despite decades of coercion and heavy militarisation. He lauded Pakistan’s consistent diplomatic efforts at international forums and said the people of AJK considered Pakistan their homeland, adding that no global conspiracy could weaken this bond.
He also paid tribute to Kashmiri martyrs and Pakistan’s armed forces, saying their sacrifices had strengthened the Kashmir cause. Expressing gratitude for development initiatives, he particularly acknowledged the gift of Danish Schools and educational projects, saying these would secure the future of Kashmiri youth.
Speaker of the AJK Legislative Assembly Chaudhry Latif Akbar also addressed the session, thanking Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for standing shoulder to shoulder with Kashmiris and for prioritising development alongside the freedom struggle.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Senior AJK Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Leader of the Opposition Sardar Atiq Ahmed Khan, PTI AJK President Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan Niazi, Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin, Sardar Hassan Ibrahim Khan, cabinet members and legislators were present.
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