Rawalakot : Former Prime Minister of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan, led a caravan of thousands from Sardar Palace Bangoin to the Saber Shaheed Stadium in Rawalakot on Sunday. At the grand public gathering titled “Battle for Truth,” he was warmly welcomed by thousands of supporters who showered him with flower petals and echoed the air with thunderous slogans.
In his special address, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan praised the Pakistan Armed Forces and Field Marshal General Asim Munir, calling them the pride of the nation. He stated that when a seven-times larger enemy, India, attacked Pakistan, the Pakistan Armed Forces crushed the enemy’s arrogance within hours, making the nation proud.
He also highlighted the defense cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and said that Pakistan’s responsibility for protecting the Two Holy Mosques is a great honor for the entire Muslim Ummah.
Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan paid tribute to the people of Punch, saying that today’s gathering revived their historic legacy. He recalled how the region’s freedom fighters once refused to salute the Maharaja at Rawalakot. Leaders like Sardar Sabz Ali Khan, Sardar Raj Wali Khan, and Sardar Mili Khan sacrificed their lives and endured hardships to uphold principles and truth.
He praised Captain Hussain Khan as an exemplary leader and called the region a land of martyrs and heroes, with a history full of sacrifices and bravery. He asserted that Kashmiri leadership had decided at the time of the Partition of India to remain affiliated with Pakistan.
“We are Pakistanis, and Pakistan is ours,” he said, urging the international community and the United Nations to grant Kashmiris the right to decide their future through a referendum.
He expressed solidarity with the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir in all difficulties.
The rally was attended by Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, former President and Prime Minister Sardar Yaqoob Khan, former Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan, Sardar Atiq Ahmed Khan, President of PML-N Shah Ghulam Qadir, along with other leaders, ministers, and advisors.
Political leaders praised the Pakistan Armed Forces for their success in “Operation Banyan-ul-Murassas” and the defense agreement for the protection of the Two Holy Mosques, reaffirming national unity.
Discussing the current political situation in Azad Kashmir, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan warned that the control might soon be lost if political parties don’t strengthen their position among the public and build trust.
He concluded that today’s great gathering proved that the ideology of joining Pakistan and love for the Pakistan Armed Forces is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people of this region. The public showed that these political parties are their hope, and urged unity to strengthen the state, fix systemic flaws, and prevent any steps toward division.
Alongside Minister Sardar Zia-ul-Qamar, Minister Javed Butt, Advisor Sardar Ahmed Sagheer, ex Political Advisor Sardar Iftikhar Rasheed, ex Special Assistant Sardar Imtiaz Shaheen, and others were present on stage. The enthusiastic crowd repeatedly turned the event into a massive public referendum with loud slogans and fervent energy.
