PM Reaffirms Support for Kashmir Cause, Lays Foundation of Technology Centre in AJK

PM Reaffirms Support for Kashmir Cause, Lays Foundation of Technology Centre in AJK

MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday condemned the Indian army's continued oppression in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating Pakistan's unwavering commitment to providing political, moral, and diplomatic support to Kashmiris until their right to self-determination, as outlined in UN resolutions, is realized.

Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of the first Daanish School Science and Technology Centre of Excellence in Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the prime minister praised Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir for his steadfast dedication to the Kashmir cause. He expressed confidence in the Kashmiri people's sacrifices and their eventual success in achieving freedom.

Emphasizing education as a vital tool for empowerment, PM Shehbaz highlighted the significance of providing high-quality education to students in AJK, remarking that such initiatives would bring hope and pride to the people of occupied Kashmir.

On the domestic front, the prime minister noted his government's success in addressing economic challenges, averting bankruptcy, reducing inflation and interest rates, and boosting exports and remittances. He mentioned the allocation of $20 billion by the World Bank for development projects in Pakistan and stressed the importance of eradicating terrorism and political instability to ensure the nation's progress.

Shehbaz Sharif described the Daanish Schools initiative as a transformative step for talented students from underprivileged backgrounds. He announced plans to expand the network to other districts of AJK, including Neelum and Poonch, with separate facilities for boys and girls, and directed that these institutions be operational within a year. The federal government, he assured, would provide full funding for these schools.

The premier acknowledged the contributions of provincial governments in improving education and healthcare and expressed intentions to establish similar institutions in Gilgit-Baltistan.

AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq thanked Shehbaz Sharif for the initiative in Bhimber, reaffirming the enduring bond between Pakistan and AJK. He accused India of using propaganda to divert attention from its human rights violations in the occupied valley. Federal ministers Amir Muqam and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui also addressed the gathering, while PM Shehbaz extended a warm reception to leaders of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference.