Nawaz Sharif urges AJK protesters to end sit-ins, calls for dialogue and peace

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed concern over the prevailing political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), urging protesters to end sit-ins and demonstrations and pursue dialogue with the government to resolve outstanding issues.

Speaking at a meeting in Lahore convened to review the political and administrative situation in AJK, the former prime minister emphasized that the people of the region enjoyed full civil liberties and democratic rights under the Interim Constitution Act of 1974.

“Under the Interim Constitution Act of 1974, the people of AJK enjoy full civil liberties and democratic rights. I urge them to end sit-ins and protests and instead engage in meaningful dialogue,” Nawaz Sharif said.

The meeting was attended by senior leaders of the PML-N’s AJK chapter, who had requested the party leader to play a role in addressing the emerging situation in the region.

According to a statement issued by PML-N Central Information Secretary and Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Nawaz Sharif expressed hope that all stakeholders, including the people of AJK, the regional government, the federal government and political parties, would work together to restore peace and ensure a smooth electoral process ahead of the legislative elections scheduled for next month.

“I hope that the people of AJK, the AJK government, the Government of Pakistan and all political parties will collectively contribute to restoring peace in the region and advancing the electoral process,” he said.

The PML-N president stressed that all available resources should be utilised for the welfare and development of the people of Azad Kashmir and maintained that any movement for public rights should remain within constitutional and democratic boundaries.

AJK has witnessed heightened political and social tensions in recent weeks, with protests over issues including the allocation of 12 reserved refugee seats in the Legislative Assembly, inflation, electricity tariffs and the rising cost of living. Several people, including law enforcement personnel, lost their lives during clashes that erupted earlier this month.

Reviewing the situation, Nawaz Sharif said the PML-N had consistently maintained a principled stance on the Kashmir issue and remained committed to protecting the rights and interests of the Kashmiri people.

He reiterated support for the right of self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with United Nations resolutions.

“We have always prioritised the constitutional and fundamental rights of the people of AJK, as well as the region’s development and prosperity,” he said.

Nawaz Sharif added that the PML-N would continue to work alongside democratic forces to promote peace, stability and progress in the region.

Expressing sorrow over the recent loss of lives, he said the deaths of both civilians and officials were deeply regrettable.

“Such a situation should never have arisen. This country belongs to all of us, and we must live together as brothers,” he remarked.

The former prime minister paid tribute to the sacrifices rendered by the people of Kashmir and reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding support for the Kashmiri cause.

“Pakistan has always regarded the Kashmiri struggle as its own and has consistently supported it,” he said, urging the people of Jammu and Kashmir to maintain their ideological and emotional bond with Pakistan while remaining peaceful.

Referring to recent regional developments, Nawaz Sharif said the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country’s defence institutions had achieved significant successes, which should serve as a basis for promoting unity, tolerance and harmony.

“In light of these achievements, there is a need to strengthen brotherhood, harmony and tolerance in both Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, cautioning against involvement in activities that could undermine peace and stability.

Nawaz Sharif returned to Lahore on Tuesday after spending nearly three weeks in Switzerland and Saudi Arabia.