ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Atta Ullah Tarar said on Monday that the government would never allow any harm to the Kashmir cause and would not permit anyone to impose their will through intimidation and violence.
Addressing a press conference, Atta Ullah Tarar said the people of Kashmir had completely rejected what he described as “mischievous elements.” He alleged that a violent group could not accept the development taking place in Kashmir and claimed that the banned Joint Action Committee had failed to accept the peaceful conduct of the elections.
The Information Minister said members of the violent group were found in possession of prohibited weapons. He alleged that the group made an unsuccessful attempt to make the successful elections controversial.
He said all political parties actively participated in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections and added that 600,000 votes were cast in the Mirpur Division.
Atta Ullah Tarar further said the world had witnessed the true face of the disruptive elements and reaffirmed that the Government of Pakistan stood firmly with the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
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Speaking alongside the Information Minister, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the Action Committee’s movement was not aimed at securing rights but at taking rights away from the people.
He alleged that both domestic and foreign elements were involved in what he described as a violent movement, adding that terrorism was being carried out under the cover of protests. He maintained that weapons are not used during public protests.
Talal Chaudhry further claimed that the group wanted to deprive Kashmiris of their right to vote, but said the people had clearly expressed their opinion through the power of their votes.
He stated that 37 out of the committee’s 38 demands had already been accepted, making the protest unjustified. According to him, efforts were made to halt the elections through violent protests, and when the violent groups saw their objectives failing, they resorted to creating unrest.
