Pakistan's diplomatic stature raises hope for Kashmiris, Faisal Rathore

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has said that Pakistan’s diplomatic stature had raised optimism for people of Kashmir that their longstanding issue would be resolved by diplomacy soon

MUZAFFARABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2026) Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has said that Pakistan’s diplomatic stature had raised optimism for people of Kashmir that their longstanding issue would be resolved by diplomacy soon.

He hailed Benazir Income Support Program as the country's premier poverty alleviation program that plays key role in improving lives of the poor and needy.

He expressed these views while talking to the media shortly after inaugurating the BISP office at the Prime Minister’s House, in Muzaffarabad on Tuesday.

He said that the office has been set up for the convenience of women.

He said that it had been Benazir Bhutto Shaheed’s vision that the government should provide stipends to the poor and needy women so that they can live a dignified life.

Describing the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) as a party of the masses, he said it had been consistently championed the cause of the poor and marginalized.

He stated that the Prime Minister does not need such an expansive residence.

“There could be no better use of this space than setting up this office there where mothers, sisters, and daughters can be served with dignity,” he remarked.

Commenting on Pakistan's growing image as a credible and trusted mediator, he said that it was heartening to see that a global Jirga was being hosted in Islamabad with representative delegations from Iran and the United States participating. "Pakistan's growing popularity and stature has unsettled India ", he said.

The prime minister said that Pakistan's rising stature has generated a fresh wave of optimism amongst Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control.

"Kashmiris do believe that the winds of change sweeping across the region will pave the way for a lasting settlement of the long-standing dispute, enabling them to ultimately realize their right to self-determination as promised under various United Nations resolutions", Rathore added.

The Kashmir issue, he pointed out, has always been a priority for Pakistan.

The present government, he noted, has undertaken key reforms within a short period, including organizing an investment conference, restoring the confidence of overseas Kashmiris, introducing judicial reforms, establishing courts, and setting up an overseas commission.

He said that a solid foundation was being laid to make the state economically self-sufficient by revitalizing the agriculture and tourism sectors.

The AJK premier made it clear that for long-term development, it was essential to strengthen the economy rather than relying on subsidies.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to conducting elections on time, he said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was well-positioned and would contest elections in 29 Constituencies.

"There is no threat to the elections, our basic aim is to conduct free fair transparent elections on time", the PM said, adding that he would contest the elections from a single constituency.

He said that efforts were being made to resolve the issues with action committee through dialogue.

He expressed his resolve that the government would take the state on the path of self-sufficiency under a comprehensive roadmap and the available resources would be used effectively.