Three AJK stalwarts join PTI before legislative assembly polls

All J&K Muslim Conference leaders Dewan Chughtai and Mir Atiq along with key political figure from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chaudhry Rashid joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) along with their thousands of associates on Monday.

The development was announced by PTI Chief Organiser Saifullah Khan Nyazee in Islamabad earlier today.

The political leaders expressed full confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan and party’s manifesto, saying that the premier is the only hope for the people of AJK as he represented their cause as ambassador of Kashmir effectively before the world.

They pledge that they would carry the message of PTI to the masses across the state and work for the growth of the party in AJK along with their supporters.

Earlier, PML-N leaders Sardar Arzash from Hajira and Sardar Fahim Akhtar Rabbani, son of former PPP minister Sardar Akhtar Rabbani from Sadhnauti had joined the PTI.

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Welcoming Chughtai, Atiq and Rashid to the PTI, Nyazee said that the PTI has a comprehensive agenda and strategy for the development of AJK.

He said that the PTI will embrace political personalities with good reputation and popularity among the masses and undergo the forthcoming polls with complete preparations and strategy.

Meanwhile, PTI Central Information Secretary Ahmed Jawad and PTI Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry addressed a press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad and briefed media about the arrangements of PM Imran's rally in Kotli on February 5 to express solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

Jawad said that Premier Imran has exposed the true face of fascist Modi regime in front of the whole world and the United Nations, for their oppression and barbarism against the Kashmiris who are engaged in the unprecedented struggle for the right to self-determination.

He said that due to the wrong policies of the Modi government, India's economy is collapsing and the heat of its internal turmoil is being felt in the whole region.

He further added that the government of Pakistan and the PTI stand firmly behind their Kashmiri brethren and are determined to continue their full political, diplomatic and democratic support over their principle struggle for the right to self-determination.

Barrister Chaudhry said that February 5 is celebrated as the day of expressing unwavering solidarity by the people of Pakistan with the people of Kashmir but this time the prime minister will address the public gathering near LoC to express solidarity with the Kashmiris who have been persecuted by the occupying Indian forces in IIOJK and with the people of AJK who have been subjected to Indian shelling on this side of the ceasefire line.

He said that the participation of the premier in the Kotli public gathering would give a new impetus to the Kashmir cause, marking far-reaching consequences.

Answering questions of journalists, the PTI AJK president said that the people of Kashmir have become completely united under the leadership of Imran Khan.

He said that the joining of prominent political figures from all over Azad Jammu and Kashmir to the PTI was a reflection of the bright future of the people of Kashmir and their trust in the vision of the prime minister and PTI.

Barrister Chaudhry said that the masses have distanced themselves from the rhetoric of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the alliance of opposition parties, as its leaders are pursuing personal interests.

He further said that the future belongs to those who are moving towards the development of the state and resolution of Kashmir dispute under the banner of PTI.