AJK polls tied to Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, says Khawaja Saad Rafique

Former federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has said the upcoming elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are not an ordinary political

GUJRAT: Former federal minister Khawaja Saad Rafique has said the upcoming elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are not an ordinary political contest but are closely linked to Pakistan’s longstanding stance on the Kashmir dispute, urging all stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections and resolve differences through dialogue.
He expressed these views while addressing a consultative meeting held in Gujrat on the invitation of MNA Chaudhry Bilal Farooq Tarar in connection with the AJK Legislative Assembly elections.
The meeting was attended by Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) leaders, including former federal minister Senator Anusha Rahman, LA-38 Jammu-5 candidate Chaudhry Zeeshan Younas, LA-42 candidate Syed Shaukat Ali Shah, PML-N Gujranwala Division President Chaudhry Abid Raza, and other party office-bearers.
Speaking on the occasion, Saad Rafique said Kashmiris had endured decades of suffering and Pakistan had consistently supported the Kashmir cause instead of compromising on its principled position.
“This is not merely a PML-N election. It is about Pakistan’s commitment to Kashmir. We will not allow anyone to weaken the historic and ideological bond between Pakistan and Kashmir,” he said.
He stressed that political differences should be addressed through dialogue instead of confrontation, sit-ins or road blockades, saying every individual had the right to express an opinion but violence and loss of life could never be justified.
Saad Rafique said the relationship between Pakistan and Azad Kashmir was unbreakable and reaffirmed that Pakistan remained committed to the Kashmir cause. He added that no Kashmiri raising his voice for legitimate rights should be labelled a traitor, while also calling for peaceful conduct during the election process.
He urged all political and social stakeholders to avoid actions that could create instability, saying uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, restoration of normal life and peaceful elections were necessary to end the prevailing deadlock. He also called for dialogue among political parties and relevant institutions without preconditions to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Earlier, the meeting reviewed the political situation in AJK, discussed election strategy, organisational affairs and preparations for the forthcoming polls, while party leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the success of PML-N candidates.
Addressing the gathering, Chaudhry Abid Raza said the massive convention of Gujrat notables held at the residence of Chaudhry Abdul Malik in support of LA-38 Jammu-5 candidate Chaudhry Zeeshan Younas reflected the confidence of party workers and supporters in the PML-N leadership.
He described Zeeshan Younas as a capable and people-friendly candidate enjoying widespread public support, adding that the party organisation in Gujrat had become fully active and workers were reaching every village, neighbourhood and voter with the party’s message.
Abid Raza said the large turnout demonstrated public trust in the PML-N and expressed confidence that Chaudhry Zeeshan Younas would secure victory with a convincing majority in the LA-38 Jammu-5 constituency. He urged party workers to maintain unity, discipline and continue an energetic election campaign until polling day.