PM Shehbaz Sharif Condemns Indian Army’s Brutality in Occupied Kashmir
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the ongoing cruelty and oppression by the Indian army in occupied Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s full support for the Kashmiris, both politically and diplomatically, until their right to self-determination, as outlined in UN resolutions, is achieved.
Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony for the Daanish School Science and Technology Centre of Excellence in Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the Prime Minister praised the commitment of Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Syed Asim Munir, to the Kashmir cause. He expressed confidence that the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people would ultimately lead to freedom in the region.
PM Shehbaz highlighted the importance of education in empowering people, noting that the Kashmiris struggling for freedom would take solace in knowing their brothers in AJK were benefiting from high-quality education.
On domestic affairs, he outlined how his government had effectively tackled serious challenges, preventing the country from facing bankruptcy. He pointed to a reduction in inflation and interest rates, while exports and remittances had increased. He also mentioned the World Bank’s allocation of $20 billion for development projects in Pakistan.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s progress depended on eradicating terrorism and resolving political instability, which was causing the nation Rs190 billion in daily losses. The Prime Minister praised the sacrifices of the security forces in combating terrorism and vowed that those plotting against Pakistan would not succeed.
Regarding education, PM Shehbaz described the establishment of Daanish Schools in AJK as a key achievement. These schools, originally designed for talented students from less privileged backgrounds in Punjab, will be expanded to other areas of AJK, including Neelum and Poonch. He announced that the federal government would fully fund these institutions and directed that they be operational within a year.
PM Shehbaz also acknowledged the contributions of the chief ministers of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan in enhancing education and healthcare, and hinted at the possibility of expanding Daanish Schools to Gilgit-Baltistan.
AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq expressed his gratitude for the transformative initiative in Bhimber and reaffirmed the strong bond between the people of Pakistan and AJK, rooted in shared faith and support. He condemned India’s propaganda efforts to divert attention from its human rights violations in the region.
Federal ministers Amir Muqam and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui also spoke at the event. PM Shehbaz warmly greeted leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, shaking hands with each of them.