MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance on Kashmir, warning that the country would respond to India “in the same language it chooses” if faced with aggression, while reaffirming support for the Kashmiri people.

Addressing a session of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad, the prime minister said the Kashmir dispute could only be resolved in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, underscoring its significance for regional peace.

The prime minister expressed grief over the death of former AJK president Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry and offered condolences to the bereaved family. Paying tribute to Kashmiri leaders and martyrs, he said Kashmiris had made immense sacrifices and would never compromise on their right to self-determination.

Referring to the historical position of Pakistan, PM Shehbaz recalled that Muhammad Ali Jinnah had described Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” adding that the issue remained central to the country’s foreign policy. He said Pakistan would continue its moral, political and diplomatic support for Kashmiris at international forums.

The prime minister also announced a series of development and welfare measures for Azad Kashmir. These included an increase in the monthly stipend for Kashmiri refugees from Rs3,500 to Rs6,000, the establishment of a sub-campus of Daanish University in Muzaffarabad, and the creation of a Khidmat Centre similar to the one in Islamabad.

In addition, PM Shehbaz announced Rs1 billion for the repair and construction of school roofs across Azad Kashmir, noting that more than 2,000 laptops had already been distributed among students this year, with additional devices to be provided soon.

Addressing the session, AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore and Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar reiterated that the Kashmir dispute remained unresolved under international law and stressed continued support for the Kashmiri cause.