As Imran Khan looked all set to take over as the next prime minister of Pakistan, JKLF Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik recalled his friendship with the former cricketing star and his concern about resolving the Kashmir issue.
In October 2005 when a devastating earthquake hit Kashmir on both sides of the Line of Control, Pakistan’s Prime Minister-in waiting, Imran Khan, who was then struggling to make his mark on country’s political landscape, spent Eid with victims in Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK).
Recalling the days, JKLF Chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik said he accompanied the cricketer-turned politician and prominent stars from Pakistan film industry and singers to different refugee camps and spent time with children to express solidarity with them.
“There was devastation all around. I along with Imran Khan and Pakistan film stars and singers spent two nights in tents in our effort to bring a smile on faces of people,” Malik told Greater Kashmir.
According to Malik they played a cricket match in one of the quake affected areas. During the match Khan bowled to Malik while film stars and singers played as fielders.
Malik had met Khan at Islamabad and had jointly addressed a press conference, talking about their plans to spend Eid and some days with the quake sufferers. Khan, according to Malik drove him from Islamabad to Muzaffarabad.
“During the day time we would visit the camps but during night hours we would discuss Kashmir issue and way to resolve it. He was also focused on providing help to the victims,” said Malik, adding he shared a “personal friendship” with Khan whom he has met several times.
“I expect he will focus on Kashmir to bring peace to entire sub-continent.”
The JKL chairman had visited PaK to provide relief assistance after helping out quake-hit people in Uri near the LoC on the Indian side.