Gilani pledges transparent elections in AJK
BHIMBER, AJK, June 22 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday pledged to hold free and fair elections in AJK saying the Kashmiris had the right to decide for their own fate.“The Pakistan Peoples Party government will hold fair and transparent elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). We do not want to be blamed for rigging or fake polls as being done in the Indian-held Kashmir,” Gilani said while addressing a large public gathering here.He said holding of transparent elections would prove Pakistan’s credibility before the world.
The Prime Minister was given a warm welcome on arrival. The enthusiastic crowd that drew locals from Bhimber and adjoining areas, cheered the Prime Minister leader with rousing slogans. The tri-tone PPP flags fluttered adding colour to the arena.
 Prime Minister Gilani along with AJK President Raja Zulqarnain, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Manzoor Wattoo, MNA Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Barrister Sultan Mehmood and other Kashmiri public representatives stood in a row at the podium, clasping their hands together to give a message of unity and solidarity.
Gilani said the PPP having roots in all provinces was pursuing the philosophy of democracy and development. He said the party had strong relations with the Kashmiris since Zulfikar Ali Bhutto founded its AKJ faction.
He vowed that the PPP would always stand for the resolution of Kashmir dispute and mentioned his meetings with his Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh where he conveyed Pakistan’s intention to resolve all core issues through dialogue.
He said Dr Singh also agreed on holding talks with Pakistan on all issues,including the Kashmir dispute. Following to this remarkable achievement, he said Pakistan and India had come on the dialogue table at the level of foreign secretaries and home secretaries.
 Gilani recalled that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had given awareness to the Kashmiri people to stand for their rights.
 Gilani said he being the head of Kashmir Council, was also a representative of the Kashmiri people in the Pakistan government and vowed to carry out development programmes for them.“We will give you support at all levels,” Gilani categorically added.
 The Prime Minister hoped that the PPP would gain remarkable achievements in the upcoming election in Kashmir because of its people-friendly policies. He said the PPP candidates were strong enough to gain victory.
The Prime Minister assured the AJK Speaker that the PPP would value every candidate.
He said the government would ensure same level of progress and development in Azad Kashmir as in Pakistan. It would extend every possible help to the Kashmiris.
He mentioned the government’s efforts to address all issues, including terrorism on priority.Gilani acknowledged the contributions of Kashmiri expatriates who were bringing foreign remittances to the country.
 He congratulated Mian Manzoor Watoo and the Kashmiri authorities on organizing a successful gathering