'No peace sans Kashmir solution

MIRPUR (AJK) - Former AJK prime minister Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry said that the people of Indian Held Kashmir were fighting for the right to self-determination. He pointed out that despite all Indian conspiracies, Kashmiris continued their freedom struggle with full strength and would continue unless they were granted the due right to decide about their future, he added. Barrister Sultan stated this while addressing a series of corner meetings during his election campaign here yesterday. He said Indian army was different from Pakistani forces because Indian forces had occupied Kashmir against the wishes of local inhabitants whereas Pakistani forces were protecting the interests of Kashmiris on this side of Line of Control. Sultan said Kashmiris would go for Pakistan whenever they got right to self-determination. The people of Indian Held Kashmir want early accession to Pakistan and he believes that a day is not too far when they will become a part of Pakistan, he said. The Ex-PM said unless this core issue is resolved, the dream of peace and harmony in the region cannot come true. The blood of Kashmiris will yield results and the 'sun of freedom will rise for the people of IHK, he added. He urged people of Azad Jammu & Kashmir to vote for Pakistan Peoples Party, which is committed to empower people and protect their rights. He said PPP was founded on the basis of Kashmir issue as Zulfikar Ali Bhutto raised the slogan that he would fight for the rights of Kashmiris for a thousand years. Sultan said PPP-AJK after establishing its government will execute policies to benefit common man, labourers, farmers and helpless sections of society. He said PPP would win the next elections due to visionary policies of its leaders. Former PM said that AJK is facing several challenges including creation of job opportunities. He also expressed a need of investment to set up industrial zones in Azad Kashmir to create more economic activities. He said PML-N has no political prospect in AJK while PPP is 'marching with the support of community. He said elections in AJK and other parts of Pakistan will be held in a free and fair manner. He said PPP is a party, which made Pakistan a nuclear power and improved its image across the world. He pointed out that international observers would be invited to monitor the elections. The reports of the international observers and media coverage would prove that there was a complete democracy in AJK, he said. He said PPP raised voice for Kashmiris not only in Pakistan but also abroad. He said PPP was founded on the issue of Kashmir and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto refused to compromise on the rights of Kashmiris. Barrister Sultan Mehmood attended more than 12 corner meetings in many towns, villages, colonies and sectors of the Mirpur city. Sultan held meeting with the pervious ticket holder of PPP-AJK Professor Mirza Muhammad Afzal at his house where Professor Mirza Afzal assured him of his full support.