Mangla: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Premier Sardar Tanveer Ilyas got into verbal spat during ceremony in Mangla. PM Shehbaz addressed inaugural ceremony of refurbishment project of units 5 and 6 of the Mangla Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant.

In a brief video clip that went viral on social media, Shehbaz while he was about to conclude his speech was seen gesturing and asking AJK premier to retire to his seat. In background, Ilyas could be heard complaining to Sharif about not “making a mention of sacrifices of people of AJK”.

Here, Shehbaz again asked AJK prime minister to sit down. “Please, listen to me for Azad Kashmir, I will talk to you, prime minister, please sit down, I will talk to you,” he said and then continued his speech. According to witness, PM Shehbaz wrapped up his speech within next 20 seconds and hurriedly left venue. Ilyas made another attempt to convey to premier his concerns, but to no avail.

Earlier in his speech, Shehbaz termed assistance of United States Agency for International Development for refurbishment of units of Mangla dam as “wonderful example of cooperation” between Pakistan and United States.

He also said that prosperity comes with action, not by slogans and sit-ins.

During press conference later, Ilyas regretted that office of prime minister of Pakistan did not take AJK government or administration into confidence with regard to his arrival in AJK territory for function. “Nevertheless, when I got information, I flew into Mirpur from Muzaffarabad to receive prime minister of Pakistan in my state,” he said.

Alleging that body language and gestures of Shehbaz at reception spoke volumes about his “irascibility”, AJK premier also took strong exception to “insulting treatment” meted out to AJK’s senior administration officials at venue of inauguration ceremony. He said he had no qualms about saying that PM Shehbaz had ridiculed entire Kashmiri nation by not mentioning their sacrifices for progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

“Ironically, while expressing gratitude to the whole world, he did not even put in good word for people of Mirpur who had submerged graves of their near and dear ones twice for construction and raising of Mangla Dam. Instead of offering anything to Azad Kashmir, he made announcements for other areas of country,” he said.

Asserting that Kashmiris considered Pakistan as “part of their faith,” he said prime minister should have listened to their elected leader.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 06 2022

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