The road to peace and prosperity in the region passes through Kashmir: Federal Minister
KOHAT
Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir Affairs, Engr Amir Muqam, on Saturday declared that Pakistan has given a “befitting response” to India’s recent unprovoked aggression, effectively thwarting the “nefarious designs of the enemy.”
Speaking at a large public gathering in Kohat, the minister lauded the professional competence and battlefield readiness of Pakistan’s armed forces.
“Our military has once again demonstrated its superiority and resilience, shaking the very foundations of the Indian military establishment,” he said.
Engr Muqam noted that Pakistan had initially shown maximum restraint in the face of Indian unprovoked aggression but was compelled to respond in self-defense. “Our response was precise, decisive, and necessary. The enemy has suffered significant losses,” he added.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, the minister emphasized that the country’s desire for peaceful coexistence should never be mistaken for weakness.
“Pakistan is a powerful nation with a strong professional army, air force, and navy. We seek peace, but we are fully prepared to defend our sovereignty at all cost,” he said.
The federal minister also highlighted the Kashmir dispute as the core issue between Pakistan and India. He called for the resolution of the conflict in line with the United Nations Security Council resolutions, stressing that lasting peace in South Asia depends on a just and fair settlement of the Kashmir issue.
“The road to peace and prosperity in the region passes through Kashmir,” he asserted.
“The time has come for the international community to put pressure on India to grant the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) their right to self-determination.”
Muqam praised Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for his proactive diplomacy and for raising the Kashmir issue at global forums, exposing the “fascist” policies of the Modi government.
He said India’s aggression had only served to keep the Kashmir issue alive on the international stage.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support to the Kashmiri people, pledging continued solidarity until they achieve freedom.
Turning to domestic politics, the minister criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for what he described as its failure to deliver during its 12-year rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He accused PTI of prioritizing agitation politics over governance, which, he claimed, has distanced the public from the party.
He expressed confidence in the growing influence of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, predicting a strong electoral performance in the upcoming elections. “The people are rallying behind PML-N because our focus is on development and improving lives,” he said.
Engr Muqam concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to people-centric policies, aimed at bringing tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
