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Muzaffarabad, Addressing concerns about the deployment of Punjab and Frontier Constabulary forces, the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry Anwar Haq, clarified that their presence is strictly for the protection of foreign engineers working on hydropower projects in Azad Kashmir, not to suppress local protests.
According to Press Information Department – Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in a media briefing in Muzaffarabad, Prime Minister Haq emphasized that the security measures are essential for safeguarding vital infrastructure projects that are often targeted by external adversities, notably from India, which he accused of not wanting the benefits of Azad Kashmir’s hydroelectric potential to reach the local population. He stated that peaceful protest is a democratic right, but the government must also ensure public safety and prevent any unlawful activities during such demonstrations.
The Prime Minister expressed his commitment to resolving issues through dialogue with the Awami Action Committee, noting that most grievances have been amicably settled. He advocated for the utilization of Azad Kashmir’s hydroelectric potential to generate substantial electricity, stressing that development and anti-corruption efforts are crucial for the region’s progress. Haq also called for responsible journalism and respect for factual reporting in public discourse.