PML-N leader accuses PPP of blocking NFC representation for AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan

MUZAFFARABAD (Dunya News) – President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Shah Ghulam Qadir, has accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of opposing the inclusion of AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan in the National Finance Commission (NFC).

Addressing a public gathering in Haveli on the first death anniversary of late PML-N leader Chaudhry Muhammad Aziz, Qadir alleged that the PPP-led Sindh government had written a letter to the federal government opposing representation for the two regions in the NFC.

Recalling past instances, he said that when the proposal to supply 600 cusecs of water from Mangla Dam to local populations was raised, then Sindh chief minister Qaim Ali Shah had objected, stating that people of Azad Kashmir could not be given water from the dam. “The water is ours, yet we are denied access to it,” Qadir said. “Even in the NFC, our people are being ignored.”

He warned that the PPP must answer these concerns before the people of Azad Kashmir and that if the AJK wing of the party fails to clarify its position, protests would be held across the region.

He emphasized that the people of Azad Kashmir have always demonstrated their loyalty to Pakistan. “We were Pakistanis even before the creation of Pakistan and India. Our sacrifices have proven that our affiliation with Pakistan is by choice,” he added.

Qadir also affirmed his party’s commitment to maintaining peace in Azad Kashmir. “No one will be allowed to disturb the peaceful environment of the region. We will not tolerate any form of ideological disruption.”

He praised the Pakistan Army for its role in safeguarding the Line of Control (LoC), stating that those who criticise the military were the same people who sought shelter in Islamabad during times of war. “The people of Azad Kashmir are grateful to the Pakistan Army and will always stand by them,” he said.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf, also addressed the gathering. He paid tribute to the late Chaudhry Muhammad Aziz, calling him a prominent figure of Haveli district. He noted the large public turnout as evidence of strong public support for PML-N and its leadership.

Yousaf also highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s development policies, stating that the government plans to establish a *Daanish School* in Haveli as part of efforts to uplift underdeveloped areas. He said that the PML-N had provided record funds to AJK in the past and would continue to do so to accelerate the region’s development.