According to a well placed source, the PML-N chief was talking to Kashmiri leaders willing to represent PML-N in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in a meeting held at the Punjab House.
“I want democracy to flourish without any interference of the establishment and spy agencies of Pakistan in AJK,” the source quoted Sharif as saying.
He said that Sharif urged the Kashmiri leaders to be vigilant for the welfare of the state without giving any room to elements who, for their own interest, exploit the differences of politicians.
“Enough is enough, now democracy is the only tool that can help ensure prosperity for the Kashmiri people,” Sharif maintained.
The Express Tribune has learnt that Sharif said that in the past, democracy has always remained at stake since some elements had been looking towards the establishment for their vested interest at the cost of a democratic process.
The AJK leaders, who attended the meeting, included former AJK Prime Minister Sardar Sikandar Hayat and former AJK premier Raja Farooq Haider, among others.
The leaders assured Sharif that since they were planning to re-launch PML-N in AJK, they would follow the policies of the party, the source said.
“We had no links with the establishment of Pakistan or spy agencies in the past and it will not happen in the future either,” he quoted Hayat as saying in the meeting.
The Express Tribune has learnt that two leaders also told Sharif that they want to work above all personal and vested interests for the prosperity of the Kashmiri people.
The source added that a founding convention has also been planned to be held on December 26 in AJK, where Sharif will address party members and followers.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2010.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ