AJK wants clarity on its role in Kashmir dispute

On 70th Foundation Day, Haider says will meet FM Khawaja Asif in this regard

MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government needs a clearly defined role on Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK) so that it can better articulate the issue on international forums.

“Without assigning a proper role to the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the world would never take our stance seriously on the Kashmir dispute,” said AJK PM Raja Farooq Haider in Muzaffarabad on Monday.

“It is time to decide about the role of AJK government in connection with Kashmir dispute and what kind of role we have to play,” the AJK premier said while addressing a press conference at the Prime Minister’s House.

In this regard, he said that he would venture to Islamabad and meet with Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif and others to deliberate over the matter.

“People in Europe are ready to listen only to the elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir and the AJK government are representative of the entire 84,000 square miles of State of Jammu and Kashmir,” Haider asserted.

Noting that India had invaded Kashmir on October 27, the day should be used to highlight the sufferings of the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and remind the world about their role in settling this longstanding dispute once for all.

70th Foundation Day

A week-long celebration in connection with 70th Founding Day of AJK began on Monday. Officials said that all is set to celebrate the 70th founding anniversary of AJK government with traditional zeal and fervour with the renewal of pledge for its vibrant role in the Kashmir freedom struggle till it reached to its logical end.

Highlighting the salient features of the AJK-wide celebrations, officials said on Monday that final touches had been given to host special ceremonies to mark the day falling on Tuesday in all 10 districts as well as tehsil headquarters.

Speakers will highlight the historic importance of the day, besides offering Fateha for the martyrs of Jammu and Kashmir and special prayers for the early success of the Kashmir freedom movement.

It will be a public holiday throughout AJK to celebrate the founding anniversary of the state government established 70 years ago on October 24, 1947.

National flag and AJK flags hoisting ceremonies at the state’s capital city and the district headquarters will be the hallmark of the historic day. The day will dawn with special prayers at mosques for the early success of Kashmir freedom movement, as well as for the strength and prosperity of the country. It will be followed by rallies in various parts of AJK scheduled to be organised by public and private organisations.

(With additional input by agencies)

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2017.