Khawaja Asif Defends AJK Migrant Seats, Urges Resolution Through Elections
The debate over AJK Migrant Seats has gained fresh attention after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif defended the constitutional rights of Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan. Speaking in the National Assembly, he said decisions regarding migrant representation should come from local residents and the migrant community. He also warned against external influence on the issue and stressed the importance of resolving disputes through democratic processes.
Khawaja Asif Defends Refugee Representation
Khawaja Asif referred to ongoing tensions between the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) administration and the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The group has demanded the abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees who migrated to Pakistan after 1947.
The minister said Kashmiri refugees had made significant sacrifices and deserved to retain their constitutional and electoral rights. Therefore, he argued that removing their representation would be unfair and unjust. He also questioned attempts to settle the issue before the upcoming AJK elections scheduled for July 27.
According to Asif, those seeking changes should present their case during the election process. He suggested that efforts to resolve the matter beforehand could influence the future composition of the assembly. Furthermore, he emphasized that any decision should reflect the will of the people directly affected by the issue.
Calls for Unity on National and Regional Issues
The defence minister also highlighted the national significance of AJK. He said the region’s current administrative structure exists because of the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces and citizens. As a result, he described AJK as an issue that concerns the entire nation.
Addressing regional security matters, Asif urged political parties not to politicize terrorism-related challenges involving Afghanistan. He noted that Pakistan had hosted Afghan refugees for decades and had engaged in several rounds of dialogue with Kabul. In addition, mediation efforts by Qatar and Türkiye sought to improve cooperation, although they did not produce final outcomes.
The minister also praised Pakistan’s recent diplomatic achievements. He said developments involving Iran and the United States had enhanced Pakistan’s international standing. Moreover, he credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir for strengthening the country’s position through effective leadership and diplomacy.
