ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry has asserted that the people of Kashmir have rejected anti-Pakistan narrative of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
“High turnout of above 52% suggests that people have confidence in the electoral process and system of the country,” Fawad Chaudhry said while addressing a press conference with Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Ali Ameen Gandapur in Islamabad today (Monday).
The Information Minister said that politics of personal interests was rejected once again. “Maryam Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto should resign from their party position after historic defeat in AJK polls,” he added.
“They both should resign from their posts voluntarily if they have any ‘political shame’ and give chance to new political leadership to emerge within the party,” the minister said. He also said instead of hiding behind the narrative of rigging, both the leaders should stand aside from their party positions.
Fawad Chaudhry also said that the recent meeting of Nawaz Sharif with Afghan National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib was one of the major factors behind the party’s “humiliating defeat” in the AJK general elections.
“The meeting of Nawaz Sharif with RAW agent Hamdullah Mohib was felt by the Kashmiris and it reflected in the election results,” the minister said, adding that it was surprising that the PML-N had not given any clarification about whether Nawaz met the Afghan NSA with the party’s permission.
He also regretted a statement by a PML-N candidate about seeking India’s help, saying it was “shameful”. “The PML-N was in power in AJK and it faced a defeat because of its policies,” he added.
He said India desired to have dialogue with Pakistan, and “we also wish to improve our ties as it benefits people on both sides. But there is a condition that India withdraw its order of Aug 5, 2019, in occupied Kashmir.”
The minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan, since he assumed power, had left no stone unturned in highlighting the Kashmir issue at all forums. “On the contrary, the speeches of Maryam and Bilawal were entirely based on Imran-bashing,” he remarked.
