‘Only Kashmiris have to decide the fate of Kashmir’: Sharjeel

MIRPUR, AJK: Sindh Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that the people of Kashmir alone have the right to decide the fate of Kashmir. “It is not for Sindh or Punjab to determine Kashmir’s future; only the Kashmiri people should make that decision.”

Addressing a press conference here, Memon claimed that certain individuals had insulted the Kashmiri people through their statements, while a federal minister had attempted to create unrest through irresponsible remarks. He asked whether Khawaja Asif’s statement reflected the official policy of the Pakistan Muslim League (N). If it did not, he questioned what action had been taken against him.

He said elections are being held in Azad Kashmir, we have reached Kashmir after the election campaign period ended, and we have come here so that there is no rigging in the Kashmir elections.

Memon said that attempts had been made to influence the elections, adding that federal ministers remained present in Azad Kashmir throughout the election campaign.

He further said that buses were displayed in Kashmir just three days before the elections. “The Kashmiri people cannot be won over through the display of buses,” he said, questioning whether sending buses to Kashmir during the election period constituted a violation of the election code of conduct. He said that the Election Commission’s silence over the alleged violations is regrettable.

Memon said that leaders of parties smaller than the PPP often leave the country during difficult times, whereas the PPP has always stood by the people. He expressed confidence that the proud people of Kashmir would vote for the PPP, adding that while the PML-N had a history of coming to power through electoral manipulation, the PPP had always believed in democratic struggle.

He further said that as Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had presented the Kashmir case effectively at the international level and forcefully advocated the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination at international forums.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026