PM urges PPP workers, office bearers to celebrate victory in AJK elections, autonomy day
ISLAMABAD, Jun 29 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday called upon the party workers and office bearers of Pakistan Peoples Party to celebrate the party’s victory in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections in a befitting manner.He desired that the celebrations should be held at the district level to promote the party’s programme and commitment for the welfare of the people.He also directed that 1st July, declared as the Provincial Autonomy Day, should be celebrated as a historic occasion.The Prime Minister was chairing a special meeting, held here at the PM House on Wednesday afternoon, to discuss the proposals to celebrate the Provincial Autonomy Day and victory of PPP in Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections.
The Prime Minister said the party’s victory in AJK elections reflects the confidence of the people in the manifesto of PPP and the efforts made for the cause of the Kashmiri people.
The government, through its policy of reconciliation and developing consensus, has been able to take major decisions despite challenges, he added.
The Prime Minister said the development work carried out in all parts of country including AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan particularly in the backward areas had been duly recognized by the people earlier in the by-elections and now in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
As regards the completion of devolution process in accordance with the 18th Amendment, the Prime Minister said it would lead towards establishing a stable democratic polity in the country.If the provinces are strong, then Pakistan and the Federation will be stronger, he added.
The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo, the Election Commission of AJK, the Government of AJK and the Government of Punjab for ensuring free, fair and transparent elections.
Earlier the participants of the meeting gave various proposals to celebrate both the Provincial Autonomy Day on 1st July and the victory of the Pakistan Peoples’ Party in AJK elections.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo, Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Senator Dr. Zaheer-ud-Din Babar Awan, MNA Qamar Zaman Kaira, MNA Mrs. Faryal Talpur, Secretary Information and Broadcasting Taimur Azmat Osman, Secretary Law and Justice Muhammad Masood Chishti and Principal Information Officer Muhammad Saleem.