HighLights
  1. PML-N softens stance on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir protesters.
  2. Adviser Rana Sanaullah calls PoK protesters "patriotic."
  3. Party to meet banned Joint Awami Action Committee.

Following months of violence, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his brother Nawaz Sharif, appears to be softening its stance toward protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Prime Minister's adviser Rana Sanaullah stated on Saturday that 99 per cent of the protesters in PoK are "patriotic" people. Sanaullah also said that party representatives would soon meet with members of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the group leading the demonstrations.

Until a few days ago, the party had claimed that members of the banned terrorist outfit Tehrik-e Taliban were among the demonstrators, using the allegation to justify the government's crackdown.

ALSO READ: ‘There Needs To Be Accountability': UN Rebukes Pakistan For Violent Crackdown On Peaceful PoK Protests

"99% Of Those Associated With JAAC Are Our Patriotic Brothers"

Speaking at a rally ahead of the third phase of elections in PoK, Sanaullah said, "Ninety-nine per cent of those associated with the Joint Awami Action Committee are our patriotic brothers."

He further said, "When the PML-N forms a government with a two-thirds majority, it will sit down with Joint Awami Action Committee representatives. Resolving this issue will be our first priority."

Violence, Allegations Of Rigging Shadow PoK Assembly Elections

The developments come as PoK has been witnessing widespread protests for over two months, with tensions rising significantly since the three-phase elections began on July 27.

ALSO READ: '90 Lives Lost So Far': India Calls Out Pakistan Over Crackdown On Civilians Amid 'Farce' PoK Elections

In the first two phases, the establishment-backed PML-N secured 25 seats, crossing the majority mark in the 45-member so-called assembly amid widespread violence and allegations of massive rigging. The PML-N is in a direct contest with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), its coalition partner in the federal government.

Voting for four seats in the third and final phase is scheduled for Monday, while polling in seven constituencies has been indefinitely postponed.

(With Inputs From PTI)

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