PM Shehbaz hails security forces’ courage in Orakzai, prays for martyrs

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday met members of the government’s negotiation committee in Islamabad after the successful conclusion of talks in Azad Kashmir.

At the same time he paid tribute to security forces for a recent operation in Orakzai that eliminated 19 militants, and expressed sorrow over the loss of brave soldiers in the operation.

The meeting was attended by Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah, federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Sardar Muhammad Yousuf, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Ahad Khan Cheema and Chairman Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan.

Negotiations in Azad Kashmir hailed as model of dialogue

The prime minister commended the negotiation committee for its efforts to resolve issues in Azad Kashmir through dialogue and mutual understanding. He praised the Joint Action Committee for showing a spirit of cooperation and said their conduct deserved appreciation for promoting the region’s progress and prosperity.

“All matters in Azad Kashmir were settled amicably and the concerns of the Kashmiri people will be addressed,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said. He reiterated that public welfare and peace remain top priorities and that his government would continue to work for the development and prosperity of Azad Kashmir in line with the aspirations of its people.

Tribute to troops after Orakzai operation

Separately, the prime minister lauded security forces for a clearance operation in Orakzai district that, he said, eliminated 19 militants described as Indian-backed elements of Fitna al-Khawarij. He paid tribute to the courage of the Pakistan Army and expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of courageous soldiers, including Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif and Major Tayyab Rahat.

The prime minister offered prayers for the departed and asked the nation to grant patience and steadfastness to the bereaved families. “The sacrifices of the fearless sons of the security forces will never go in vain,” he said, adding that the government was determined to crush the malign designs of those who receive external support and to ensure such elements do not succeed in harming Pakistan’s integrity.

Government resolve reiterated

Reaffirming the state’s commitment, the prime minister said the government would continue its efforts to resolve problems faced by the people of Azad Kashmir and to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country. He said protecting the rights of Kashmiris and safeguarding national unity remain enduring priorities.