Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider on Sunday clarified his statement that Kashmiris are uncertain about siding with Pakistan after Nawaz Sharif's disqualification, saying he said "so out of concern for the country's situation". The AJK Prime Minster stirred a considerable controversy on Saturday. His statement was published by leading newspapers for which Haider drew criticism from political observers and journalists.

Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Sunday, AJK Prime Minister said that his statement was over the decision of the Supreme Court and that he still stood by what he said on Saturday. "I condemn the way my [Saturday's] press conference is being presented, he said. I had addressed the conference as a Kashmiri," he said. He added that a video of the session was available and could be referred to for a clarification. While expressing displeasure over Sharif's disqualification, Haider said Nawaz Sharif is his leader. "I will speak over Articles 62 and 63. I'm not a pigeon to close my eyes [in troubled times].

During the news conference, the AJK premier said the future of Kashmiris is linked to Pakistan's prosperity. "Kashmiris do not have any option other than Pakistan and have been struggling to become a part of the country for the last 70 years," he said.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017