Kashmiris to decide Kashmir's fate: Sharjeel

Sindh minister says certain statements insulted Kashmiris

KARACHI:

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, said on Sunday that the people of Kashmir alone have the right to decide the fate of Kashmir.

Addressing a press conference in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, Memon said that certain individuals had insulted the Kashmiri people through their statements, while a federal minister had attempted to create unrest through irresponsible remarks.

"It is not for Sindh or Punjab to determine Kashmir's future; only the Kashmiri people should make that decision," Memon said. He asked whether Khawaja Asif's statement reflected the official policy of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). If not, he questioned what action had been taken against him.

"Elections are being held in Azad Kashmir tomorrow (today). We have reached Kashmir after the election campaign period ended. We have come here so that there is no rigging in the Kashmir elections," the Sindh senior minister told reporters.

Memon said that attempts had been made to influence the elections, adding that federal ministers remained present in Azad Kashmir throughout the election campaign. He further said that buses were displayed in Kashmir just three days before the elections.

"The Kashmiri people cannot be won over through the display of buses," he said, questioning whether sending buses to Kashmir during the election period constituted a violation of the election code of conduct. He said that the Election Commission's silence over the alleged violations is regrettable.

Memon said that leaders of parties smaller than the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) often leave the country during difficult times, whereas the PPP has always stood by the people.

He expressed confidence that the proud people of Kashmir would vote for the PPP, adding that while the PML-N had a history of coming to power through electoral manipulation, the PPP had always believed in democratic struggle.

He said as foreign minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari presented the Kashmir case effectively at the international level.