MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, while addressing a public gathering here on Friday after the PML-N's Azad Jammu and Kashmir electoral win, said: "We are waiting for the day Kashmir becomes Pakistan."

In his first public address following his return from London after open-heart surgery in May, Nawaz urged Kashmiris "not to forget those in held Kashmir who are sacrificing their lives to their movement for freedom".

"Their movement for freedom cannot be stopped and it will be successful. You are aware of how they are being beaten and killed. All our prayers are with them and we are waiting for the day Kashmir becomes Pakistan."

PML-N is set to form the next government in AJK as the unofficial results of a general election for 41 direct seats of the AJK Legislative Assembly on Thursday suggested a landslide victory for the party.

Know more: PML-N set to form govt in AJK

"I saw the election results at night and thought that if our victory is evident, I will travel to Muzaffarabad to congratulate my brothers and sisters. I was told to go tomorrow or day after tomorrow, but said I can't wait, I want to go tonight," he told a cheering crowd.

The premier thanked the people of AJK for their support, conveying his gratitude to the crowd for their prayers for his recovery.

He slammed those engaging in "negative politics" against the PML-N and congratulated AJK for voting for the party.

"You saw how much they spoke against Nawaz Sharif in Muzaffarabad... But Nawaz Sharif didn't answer to any of this because political success comes not from holding dharnas, but actually doing something."

"The PML-N is setting a new record for progress in Pakistan," he claimed. "You cheer for me because you know Nawaz Sharif will build motorways."

The premier asked the crowd to cheer for Pakistan, cheer for AJK and cheer for freedom of India-held Kashmir.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...