LAHORE: In a gesture of solidarity, Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan affirmed that “the hearts of Pakistanis beat in unison with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters.” Speaking at a meeting with former Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Raja Farooq Haider, who visited the Assembly Chamber with a delegation, Khan commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s efforts in improving the law and order situation in Azad Kashmir.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s timely actions have markedly improved the law and order in Azad Kashmir,” Khan said, emphasising Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to providing moral, political, and diplomatic support to Kashmiris. “How is it possible for us to sit in peace while our brothers and sisters in Azad Kashmir are in difficulty?” he added.
The meeting also saw the participation of Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar, Senior Minister Waqar Noor from Azad Kashmir, Minister of Public Works Ch Azhar Sadiq, Secretary Assembly Chaudhry Basharat Hussain, among other officials. During the discussions, Khan lauded the developmental efforts spearheaded by Raja Farooq Haider for the betterment of Kashmiris.
Raja Farooq Haider, reflecting on the historical ties between Muzaffarabad and Lahore, expressed gratitude for the consistent support from the people of Pakistan, particularly the Lahoris. “The relationship between Muzaffarabad and Lahore is very old. The Pakistani people, especially Lahoris, have always expressed their heartfelt love for Kashmiris,” Haider said. He also acknowledged the impactful initiatives by the Chief Minister of Punjab.
In the meeting, Haider expressed a desire to model the Azad Kashmir Assembly’s construction on the modern design of the new Punjab Assembly building and hall. Speaker Khan assured full cooperation from the Punjab Assembly in this endeavour. The delegation was later given a tour of the new building and hall of the Punjab Assembly, showcasing the modern architectural advancements.
Also present during the visit were General Secretary Chaudhry Aamir Habib, Staff Officer Imad Hussain Bhalli, and Punjab Assembly Spokesperson Rao Majid Ali.
