LAHORE, Aug 01 (APP):Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Saturday expressed confidence that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would achieve an excellent result in the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, saying the party had established a strong position through its politics of public service and development. Addressing a ceremony here, the minister appreciated PML-N workers for mobilising voters and said the political atmosphere he witnessed …
PML-N to emerge victorious in AJK polls: Attaullah Tarar
LAHORE, Aug 01 (APP):Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Saturday expressed confidence that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would achieve an excellent result in the ongoing Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, saying the party had established a strong position through its politics of public service and development.
Addressing a ceremony here, the minister appreciated PML-N workers for mobilising voters and said the political atmosphere he witnessed throughout the campaign indicated that the party’s voice was being heard across AJK.
He said that PML-N had gained a significant lead in the first phase and expressed confidence that, by the grace of Allah Almighty, the party would form the next government in AJK.
Tarar said the politics of public service, development and progress were the fundamental principles of the PML-N.
He said the development work carried out in AJK during the tenure of former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was evident, while Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had also initiated mega development projects in the region, including Daanish Schools and other major public welfare initiatives.
The minister said Kashmir had always remained among the PML-N’s priorities and that the party had consistently raised its voice for the Kashmir cause and the rights of Kashmiris, besides taking practical steps in this regard.
He said whenever the Kashmir issue was raised at the United Nations or on international forums, Nawaz Sharif had spoken about the cause of Kashmir and paid tribute to Kashmiri martyrs. Similarly, Shehbaz Sharif had also highlighted the sacrifices of Kashmiri martyrs and those who had championed the Kashmir cause, including the martyrdom of Burhan Wani.
Tarar said Kashmiri brothers and sisters living in Pakistan, as well as their forefathers, had not only made sacrifices for Kashmir but had also played their full role in supporting the Kashmir cause.
He paid tribute to all Kashmiris living in Pakistan and AJK, saying they were highly patriotic people with a deep love for Pakistan.
He said even today, people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) preferred to be buried wrapped in the Pakistani flag, while slogans such as “We are Pakistanis, and Pakistan is ours” continued to be raised there.
Regarding the election campaign, the minister said every political party had the right to participate in politics and present its manifesto before the people. However, he questioned whether any political party had a manifesto and development record that could compete with the PML-N.
“What is the answer? No,” he remarked.
Tarar said public support could not be won merely through political speeches, adding that the hearts of the people could be won only through practical politics of public service.
He said Nawaz Sharif had undertaken extensive development work during his tenures, while Shehbaz Sharif was also working on projects aimed at public welfare.
The minister challenged other political parties campaigning in AJK to name even 10 or 12 major development projects completed during their respective tenures in Kashmir or in the areas from where they belonged.
He said the PML-N had undertaken major development projects and urged the people to judge political claims on the basis of performance.
He said, “PML-N has established a strong position through its politics of service.”
Tarar expressed confidence that in the AJK elections, whether on ‘Muhajir’ seats or Jammu and Kashmir seats, the PML-N would emerge victorious.
