Ajay Raina on Shehbaz Sharif's Kashmir Remarks and PoJK

Retired Colonel Ajay Raina has reacted to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's remarks expressing support for Kashmir, saying such statements will not change the situation on the ground. He argued that Pakistan's own internal crises, including demands for separation in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and PoJK, are far more significant.

Raina said that Pakistan can continue to show support for Kashmir, but the reality in PoJK is different. He pointed to ongoing firing from LMGs and four months of protests by people in the region. He said these developments show the true state of affairs there.

He also spoke about the historical context of October 22 and October 27. Earlier, October 22 was marked as a black day when Pakistan-backed tribal raiders entered Kashmir. After 2019, he said, the perception changed, and the day is now seen as a black day because of looting, killings, violence against women and large-scale brutality committed by the attackers. He said October 27 is viewed differently by many people, marking the arrival of the Indian Army.

Raina added that some people are troubled because their long-standing narrative is weakening. Commenting on Farooq Abdullah's statement, he said Dr. Abdullah appeared disappointed and may hold a different view. He claimed that during the long period of militancy, large funds flowed into Kashmir and many projects existed only on paper. He said that when such arrangements ended, the interests of several individuals were affected.

On the question of links between Pakistan and the reactions it receives, Raina said people often connect the two, but without direct evidence such views remain speculation. He concluded that political statements will continue, but the stability, development and everyday lives of people in the region are what matter most.