MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for working hard to get rid of debt crisis-both domestic and external which, he said, had shackled Pakistan.

Addressing AJK Cabinet in state capital, he said people were exercising their democratic right to press for their demands, but some miscreants had sole aim of spreading violence in Azad Kashmir.

Talking about recent protests against rising power tariffs and flour prices in Azad Kashmir which resulted in some deaths and damage to government properties, he said Cabinet and allied parties to solve issue swiftly.

He said central bank had already transferred an amount of Rs 23 billion to state government announced under Centre’s package within May 16 deadline.

According to Shehbaz, Azad Kashmir is home to lively nation who knows how to raise voice for their rights. People of Azad Kashmir love those living in Pakistan and feelings are reciprocated.  Quaid-e-Azam had described Kashmir as Pakistan’s jugular vein, he recalled and mentioned bloodbath in occupied Kashmir carried by New Delhi since late 1980s.

Shehbaz promised he would continue extending diplomatic and moral support to peaceful struggle of Kashmiris, expressing hope that they along with Palestinians would one day get their rights. “Your development and prosperity is linked to development and prosperity of Pakistan.”

He said they would fully adhere to commitments between two sides, adding that Power Minister and secretary couldn’t visit Muzaffarabad due to their engagements related to ongoing IMF talks in Islamabad. Issues would be discussed in detail once IMF mission left Islamabad, he added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 17 2024

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