Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: A number of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) AJK leaders called on PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Zardari House, Islamabad on Saturday evening to welcome him on his visit to the federal capital.

Those who called on him included former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, MNA Faryal Talpur, former governor Latif Khosa, AJK President Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob, AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majid, Latif Akbar and Chaudhry Pervaiz Ashraf. While talking to the delegation, Bilawal Bhutto said that the people of Kashmir are key to a final settlement of the Kashmir dispute and the PPP will continue to support them in their just struggle.

He said that the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Kashmir is also central to peace in the region adding that the right of franchise of a people is the most fundamental right, which cannot be ignored.

The delegation also briefed the party chairman on the political situation obtaining in the AJK with particular reference to the forthcoming elections. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari asked the party’s Kashmir chapter to get ready for the forthcoming elections and directed the party leaders to step up the process of selecting the party candidates for the forthcoming elections.

He said that the parliamentary board for the award of party tickets must meet regularly and finalise recommendations for the award of party tickets. It is important so that the party is ready for campaigning as soon as the elections are announced.

He further said that the party tickets should be awarded after thorough scrutiny adding that the criteria for selection is candidate’s past performance, reputation for integrity, relationship with the voters, service to the people, history of political struggle and consistency in standing by the party in tough times should be taken into account while making recommendations for award of party tickets.