Can’t think of AJK’s separation from Pakistan: Farooq

ISLAMABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider on Sunday clarified his statement which purported to give the impression that Kashmiris would not side with Pakistan after Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification and declared that he could not even think of the region’s annexation to any other country but Pakistan and it was the only option.

He told a media conference here that what he expressed in a news conference a day earlier was based on the apex court’s judgement, which sent PM Nawaz packing and his deep concerns regarding the prevailing scene in Pakistan.

Farooq Haider insisted that he stood by what he had said and remarked, “I condemn the way my press conference is being presented. I had spoken as a Kashmiri,” he maintained. He pointed out that a video of what he had said was available and could be referred to for clarification. He again expressed displeasure over Nawaz Sharif's disqualification, being his leader. “I had spoken and will talk on Articles 62 and 63,” he maintained.

AJK prime minister expressed his support to the ongoing freedom struggle in Indian Occupied Kashmir and said the future of Kashmiris was linked to Pakistan’s prosperity.  “Kashmiris do not have any option other than Pakistan and have been trying to become a part of the country since the past 70 years,” he emphasised. 

He dismissed the media reports giving an impression that he was considering Azad Jammu Kashmir’s annexation with some other country. Farooq Haider said that he could not even think of AJK’s separation from Pakistan. AJK premier said his last day statement was distorted. “Our hearts beat with Pakistanis and I will still stand by my words,” he said.