TARAR KHAL, Pakistan: Prime Minister Imran Khan has strongly rejected the notion that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is mulling to make Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) a province of Pakistan.
While addressing a public gathering at Tarar Khal in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, the prime minister said that according to UN Security Council resolutions, only Kashmiri people can decide their future through a referendum.
Imran Khan said that Pakistan will allow Kashmiris to decide between choosing to join Pakistan or remaining independent even after they vote in favor of Pakistan in a future plebiscite.
The prime minister said that the unprecedented sacrifices being rendered by the Kashmiri people will not go in vain and time is not far when they will decide their future.
Prime Minister Imran Khan also vowed to end poverty in AJK after winning the upcoming general elections. He said that we will implement our flagship Ehsas program in the valley to help Kashmir’s youth achieving their goals and to provide all basic facilities to the masses.
It’s worth noting that the 11th general elections of Azad Jammu and Kashmir will be held on Sunday (July 25, 2021).
The prime minister said that entire Pakistan is standing with the people of Occupied Kashmir and he will continue raising the Kashmir issue at every forum.
Counting on the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people for their independence, he urged Kashmiri leaders specifically Ali Raza Gilani and Yasin Malik to show perseverance as success comes after the difficulty.
Imran Khan said that the opposition is making hue and cry of rigging in elections despite the fact that being the ruling party their own government is responsible for conducting fair and transparent elections.
The prime minister said that we are making strenuous efforts for the last one year to bring elections reforms to make the election process transparent and the opposition has been invited to sit with the government for this purpose. He said that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will bring an end to rigging allegations and help in holding transparent elections.
