Kashmir put into cold storage: Nawaz

MUZAFFARABAD—Former Prime Minister and PML-N Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif has described PML-Q and Muslim Conference as the remnants of dictatorship in Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir respectively on Wednesday.
The renowned political leader expressed these views while addressing a public gathering before Mazar Khurshid, in Muzaffarabad. “I equally share the grievances of the Earthquake affected families”, he said.
Former Premier of AJ&K Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry, former CM Sarhad Mehtab Ahmad Khan Abbasi, All Jammu Kashmir Muslim Conference Vice President Raja Farooq Haider were also present on this occasion.
The veteran political leader said “ I remained a great opponent of Ms Bhutto in the past, but now I am even ready to meet her for hundred times in the broader national interests”. He imparted that all would have to play a role to end the concept of dictatorial rule in Pakistan.
Later, while talking to media men, he said that PML-N condemned every form of terrorism. “Kashmir issue was put in the cold storage during my absence and we will do decisions in a sovereign way”, he added. While replying a query, he said that restoration of democracy, independent judiciary, and free media are priority ladder.
Leader of the PML-N Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif would meet with deposed Chief Justice, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry who refused to take oath under the PCO. Mian Nawaz Sharif accompanied by large number of other party workers would visit the residence of CJ at 1:00 pm today.
While on the other hand, the Ministry of Interior has completed all the arrangements in order to stop the meeting. Sources said that it has deployed extra security personnel in and around the residence of Iftikhar Chaudhry. Earlier, Chairperson PPP, Benazir Bhutto also attempted to have a meeting with Iftikhar Chaudhry but security officials have foiled her attempt.
However, Nawaz Sharif has announced that he would meet Iftikhar Chaudhry at any cost, due to which sources feared conflicts among the league workers and security officials.
Former Prime Minister and PML (N) Chief Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Wednesday said that he along with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Benazir Bhutto would pull the country out of crisis.
Addressing a public meeting here, Nawaz Sharif said that his party and PPP have shunned differences for the sake of genuine democracy in the country. He said that both the parties have join hands for restoration of the constitution and democracy.
In his first visit to the earthquake affected areas of October 8, 2005 since his return to Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif said, “I have not come here for vote but to condole with the people who were affected by the devastating earthquake.”
He accused that the government did not take quick action for the rescue operation in the affected areas. A prompt action for the rescue operation could have saved thousands of lives, he said.
“If the army could show the efficiency and arresting him in ten minute by storming into the Prime Minister House, then why not it saved thousands of people trapped under the rubbles in Azad Kashmir and NWFP,” he remarked.
He said that PML (N) always considered Kashmir Muslim Conference as a coalition party of PML (N), but it joined hands with dictatorship which is regrettable.
He appealed the people of AJK to stand firm against the dictatorship and make efforts for the restoration of democracy in the country.

—Agencies