ISLAMABAD, July 17 (APP): Minister for Information,
Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid
Sunday said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif would go to the public in 2018 on the basis of his performance whereas Imran Khan would have nothing but a baggage of conspiracies and nefarious designs.

The minister, in a statement, said the Pakistan Muslim
League-N government firmly believed in serving the masses and would succeed in 2018 general elections on the basis of its performance.

On the other hand, he said, Pakistan Tahreek-i-Insaf
chief Imran Khan would be looking for undemocratic forces.

He said Imran was wailing over the pro-democratic
passion of the Pakistani nation. He had been appealing to
the people for 126 days to join his ‘dharna’ (sit-in), but
the people supported the democratic system, he added.

Pervaiz Rashid said the undemocratic forces appeared in
the guise of Imran Khan. If the PTI chief had worked
hard for his political party contrary to his undemocratic
tendencies, it would have been a different story.

He expressed his wonder over Imran Khan’s postures and
asked him why he had been worrying over failure of a coup in Turkey.

The minister further told the PTI chief that power could
not be gained through back-door politics, but in the
democratic system, one had to serve the public instead of
enjoying an extravagant life-style at Bani Gala.

RAWALAKOT (AJK), July 17 (APP): Minister for Information,
Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid Sunday said July 21 would be the day of victory for ‘lion’ in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections which would bring progress and prosperity to the people.

He was speaking at an event organized to welcome Sayab Khalid, former speaker of AJK legislative assembly and a group of political workers in Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

He congratulated Sayab Khalid and others on joining the party.

He said being as Prime Minister and leader of the elected PML-N government in AJK, the voice of Nawaz Sharif would become part of continuing struggle of Kashmiris for right to self-determination, then it would be more effective and strong freedom movement.

He said Nawaz Sharif would be an advocate of Kashmiris’ right of self-determination.

“When the world will know that Nawaz Sharif has government in Pakistan as well as in Azad Kashmir, then India will have to bow before the will of the people.

“As gun bowed before people in Turkey in the same way it will bow before the people in Srinagar whose voice will be heard everywhere.”

He said after retirement of Sardar Abdul Qayyum from practical politics, there were complaints against the working of Sardar Attique, whose politics was just based on ‘palace intrigues’ and not to serve the people.

When Sardar Attique continued with this kind of politics of
intrigue against the party’s own Prime Minister, then on the wishes of party leaders and workers, AJK PML-N was formed, he added.

He said PML-N politics was not about intrigues or for gaining
power but its politics was about serving the people.

The picture of its politics was clear before people as it was
about development projects and facilities of hospitals, education and jobs, he said.

When people in Pakistan think about mega projects, name of
Nawaz Sharif comes to their mind, he added.

“When people of Pakistan stamp lion they get a guarantee of
progress.”

He said the PML-N had a manifesto and its federal and provincial governments played their roles in development of the country.

He said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto came to Kashmir and
criticised the PML-N and Nawaz Sharif.

“It is his right to raise questions about the policies of my
party. But it is also his responsibility to tell about their own
performance.”

He said the PPP remained in power in AJK and at the Center for five years and for eight years in Sindh.

Bilawal should tell what the PPP had done in Sindh and AJK to
ask for votes in the upcoming elections in Azad Kashmir, he stressed.

Pervaiz Rashid said the policy of Nawaz Sharif on Kashmir was clear as stated by him in the UN General Assembly. The Prime Minister shook the world conscience and reminded them to implement the UN resolutions on Kashmir, he added.

He said Bilawal never asked question about Kashmir and he
should tell whether his party’s policy was to wage war for 1000 years or to sign Shimla agreement.

Imran Khan had no Kashmir policy and when he went to India to watch a cricket match, he did not raise the Kashmir issue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the minister recalled.

Pervaiz Rashid said Nawaz Sharif stressed on Kashmir issue
during his meetings with the Indian Prime Minister.
He said when they made pledges about utilising all resources
for bringing progress in Kashmir, filling its treasury and providing its people with education and health facilities, this all was about implementing the vision of Nawaz Sharif.

When the PPP transferred power at the Center it left only $3
billion, now the federal government of PML-N had $23 billion in its reserves, he added.

He said Imran Khan did not have a programme for Azad Kashmir and he could not cite any example of his achievement except killing rats in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa.

He urged people to remain alert on the election day and
protect sanctity of their vote.

RAWALAKOT, Jul 17 (APP): Advisor to Prime Minister on
Political Affairs Dr Asif Kirmani Sunday said ‘lion’ was roaring
from Bhimber to Tao Butt during the election campaign in Azad Kashmir.

Addressing a meeting of party workers here, he said, “With the grace of Allah, today all roads of Azad Kashmir leads to PML-N. It is simple for people that they support Nawaz Sharif who is the architect of a modern and progressing Pakistan.”

He said Nawaz Sharif had a vision to bring same kind of
progress in Kashmir, which he brought in Pakistan.

Kirmani said he went all across Kashmir and could see that
Peoples Party and PTI could not even begin their election campaign.

These parties cannot survive without being in power as they do not have an election manifesto or record of service to the people, he added.

He said credit went to Pakistan Muslim League(N) that it
spread the vision of Nawaz Sharif for progress, prosperity and development of Kashmir.

The PML-N, he said, was the first party with a manifesto while other parties could not even give their manifesto in the previous months.

He said Abdul Majeed government and others had only one point agenda and that was to serve their own interest and fill their pockets.

Rs 300 billion was given by the federal government to AJK
government but that money had not been spent for the development of the area, he added.

He said the PPP and others had weakened the Kashmir cause
and sent a message across the LoC that a corrupt and incompetent government was in AJK.

Kirmani said at a time when the Modi government was killing
Kashmiris in held valley, Abdul Majeed government was doing the same in Azad Kashmir.

They killed workers of PML-N and injured the party candidate
Chaudhry Aziz with bullets, he added.

“Their stories of corruption can be seen everywhere and their agenda is to kill Kashmiris to save themselves from disgraceful defeat in elections.”

He said the PML-N was a party with leaders who had character and values.

“Real thing is character of a human being. Nawaz Sharif has
taught us the politics of values.”

He said the message of Nawaz Sharif was of peace as the PML-N had a very different culture from other parties.

“I tell my party workers that we should not be provoked and
keep campaigning with bowed heads. I urge party workers not to respond to abuse and threatening language of the opponents. We told our workers to stay peaceful and calm.”

He said,”We asked the Chief Election Commissioner to take
notice as it is his responsibility to hold elections in a peaceful
environment.”

The CEC did not take notice for two days and then afterwards came on television, he said adding hearts of people could be win with love and not with abuse and bullets.

He said the progress of Pakistan and Kashmir were interlinked and the bridge of Kohala joined hearts of people.
Nawaz Sharif wanted a bridge to join together Kashmiris across the Line of Control so that relatives on both sides can meet and share their happiness and grief, he added.

The Advisor said everybody has a right to do politics but for
six months Imran Khan stayed on the container, stopped the way of progress and prosperity of Pakistan and delayed the visit of Chinese President to Pakistan.

He said Pakistan gave respect to Imran Khan but he became
enemy of progress of Pakistan so he could not be the well wisher of Kashmir.

ISLAMABAD, July 17 (APP): Minister of State for Capital
Administration and Development Division (CADD) Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Sunday expressed the hope that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) would win Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) general elections with thumping majority.

He said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan
People’s Party (PPP) were creating hurdles but the elections
would be held in a free, fair and transparent manner
Talking to a private news channel programme, the minister
said PTI and PPP had started levelling allegations of rigging
before the polling day, which was beyond comprehension.

Both PTI chief Imran Khan and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto
Zardari had not apprised the AJK people of their policies in
their public meetings. They were just giving statements on twitter and facebook, he added.

He said,”The PML-N has a clear policy for AJK people as after
coming to power, it will carry out work for the development and progress of the area.”

He said the outgoing PPP government in AJK had done noting
for the betterment of the area while the PML-N governments
(at Centre and other provinces) was taking measures for fast-track progress of the country.

Replying to a question, he lauded the people of Turkey for
protecting democracy.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 17 (APP): Minister for Kashmir Affairs and
Gilgit-Baltistan Barjees Tahir Sunday said the government was highlighting Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir at all local and international fora.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif had always taken up the matter at all international fora and also pleaded the case of Kashmiri at United Nations General Assembly, he said talking to PTV.

Barjees said the Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir issue is very
clear and we are firmed on it from the first day.

India had the double standards on occupied Kashmir as she
accepted it as a disputed territory in UN while considered her
part in constitution.

He said martyrdom of freedom fighter Burhan Wani has further strengthened the Kashmir movement and would continue till achievement of their right to self determination.

The minister called upon the human rights organizations to
take notice of Indian barbarism in occupied Kashmir and take steps for resolution of the dispute.

He said entire Pakistani nation stands by the Kashmiri
people and supports their movement for right to self
determination.

SIALKOT, July 17 (APP): Federal Minister for Defence, Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif has appreciated the national unity, enthusiasm, courage and spirit of the Turkish people, through which they foiled the coup attempt in their country.

Addressing participants of an election campaign meeting, held here at Talwara Mughalaan-Sialkot, the minister said that the Turkish people made history by taking to the streets in large numbers on the call of their President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and foiling a coup attempt.

Kh Asif said that some political elements were exhibiting immaturity in politics, negativity and politics of conflict by prolonging the Panama leaks issue. He said that the political elements demanding accountability of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif are themselves plunderers of national wealth. He said that Panama leaks issue did not concern the people of Pakistan, saying that the plunderers had no right to demand accountability of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. He said that the corrupt political elements could not target an honest prime minister for their personal gains.

The defence minister alleged that the PPP looted the national wealth and all resources in Azad Jammu & Kashmir during its rule in AJK. He said the PPP government in AJK also damaged the Kashmir cause.

Extending all support to PML-N candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Ishaq, the minister said that Pakistan was taking up the matter of killing of innocent Kashmiris by Indian army in the held Kashmir at all international forums effectively, and urging the international community to use its influence for restraining India from atrocities in the held valley.

The minister asked the union council chairmen, vice-chairmen and councillors to utilise their full energies for the victory of the PML-N in July 21, 2016 AJK general elections.

Kh Asif said that the PML-N would win the AJK polls with big margin, saying that only the PML-N had the capability to help the Kashmiri people get rid of their all problems.

The federal minister said that plebiscite was the basic right of the Kashmiri people, adding that the sun of freedom of Kashmir would rise soon and the oppressed people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir would soon get freedom from Indian oppression.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 17 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Sunday called Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Ismail Kahraman and expressed his solidarity with the Turkish people and Parliament.

“We are with the Turkish nation and its democratic
institutions. We are happy to see that the attempted coup was foiled by the people’s power,” Speaker Sadiq commented.

The Speaker of Turkish Grand National Assembly lauded the
support by the people, parliament and the Government of Pakistan for democracy and rule of law in Turkey.

ISLAMABAD, July 17 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal said Sunday all the conspiracies being hatched against the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) government would fail
as the country was leading towards progress and development.

The minister, in a statement, said he was astonished to see a sponsored campaign against the PML-N government by some elements having vested interests.

“Those who have failed politically, now want civil and military confrontation for their ulterior motives,” he said, adding the people could see and feel that the country was gradually improving and getting better.

“The direction is right and we need to keep marching with stability and consistency of policies,” he added.

The minister said when the PML-N government took office in 2013, Pakistan was titled as most dangerous country in the world by Newsweek on its cover, however, today Pakistan was seen as an Emerging Market and was rated among top eight fastest growing economies of world.

He said Pakistan was seen as a sick economy likely to default in 2014 with falling ratings in 2013 but today Moody’s and Standard and Poors world’s leading rating agencies have upgraded Pakistan and rate it as a stable and positive economy.

He said in 2013, Pakistan’s stock market had crashed today, by crossing 39,000 index, it was at all time high while in in 2013, Pakistan was stuck for six years at 2.5-3.5% GDP rate and last year we posted 4.7% GDP growth rate and hoping for 5.5% this year while the country is at highest growth level in last eight years.

The minister said in 2008, Pakistan was delisted from Emerging Market Index. In 2016, it had been again relisted by Morgan Stanley as an Emerging Market.

Likewise in 2013, he said, when the PML-N took over extremists had made the state hostage and they were on offensive, today state was on offensive and terrorists were under siege. Karachi security operation, started in
September 2013 by the Prime Minister, had today given peace back to the mega city, the financial capital. Pakistan’s security situation was best in last ten years.

The minister said no foreign investor was willing to bring a dollar into Pakistan back in 2013, but during 2015 the PML-N government attracted $46b CPEC investment from China, which had been acclaimed as a game changer for Pakistan by experts.

During last 14 years, he added, no worthwhile investment was made in energy, however due to the PML-N government initiatives more than 10,000 mw would be added to grid by 2018 and another 15,000 mw was in pipeline for addition by 2025.

He said the PML-N government had initiated and committed the highest ever investment for modernising Pakistan’s energy (coal, hydel, renewable, gas projects) road, rail & air infrastructure, which wouldl transform
the economy in next few years.

The minister said in 2013, the PML-N inherited sick and dysfunctional railway and PIA and now locomotives and planes had been procured and both organisations were on path of recovery.

He said in 2013, when the PML-N came into government investments into higher education had been cut while today, the highest ever investments of Rs 80 billion were being made in higher education through HEC to give “our youth knowledge and skills of future economy. 10,000 Ph.Ds in next ten years programme through US-Pak Knowledge Corridor has been started.”

The Pakistan Economic Watch (PEW), a reputed international survey organisation, in its latest poll said that after over fifteen years for the first time majority of Pakistanis are feeling optimist about their future and think that next year will be better than previous year. Nation has got hope back, he added.

The minister said he could go on and on with the stories of successes the PML-N government had achieved in a limited time of threeyears while the world economy was facing major slow down.

This was not to say that there are no challenges and problems, he said. “We would tackle each and every problem step by step and are committed to see Pakistan in top 25 economies of the world by 2025.”

He said the government has already prepared Vision 2025 document to lead the country towards development.

“Let us defeat the voices which want to kill our hope and pride. Pakistan is rising and rise In Sha Allah to glory unseen in history. We need to stand united, defend our political stability and commit ourselves to working harder, better and smarter.”