ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Wednesday informed the Senate that it will not accept the demand to abolish 12 seats reserved for refugees in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly. This demand was made by the recently proscribed Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
Government's Stance on Refugee Representation
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah Khan stated unequivocally that the 12 seats reserved for Pakistan-based refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) would not be eliminated. He emphasized that removing refugee representation would seriously harm their cause.
The PML-N leader's remarks came amid ongoing clashes between law enforcement and JAAC supporters in AJK, following the federal and regional governments' refusal to accept certain demands previously agreed upon in a pact signed in October 2025.
Constitutional and Legal Complexities
Responding to a point raised by opposition leader Raja Nasir Abbas in the Senate, Rana Sanaullah explained that these seats represent families displaced from IIOJK and cannot be abolished through executive orders. He noted that all political parties in AJK and other constitutional forums support keeping refugee representation within the constitutional framework.
The adviser revealed that the government proposed several options to the JAAC, including consultations among political parties, constitutional review, and parliamentary consideration, but all were rejected. He stated that the federal government had accepted 37 of the 38 demands from the Action Committee, with the sole outstanding demand concerning refugee seats involving complex constitutional and legal issues.
Allegations of Sabotage and Election Process
Rana Sanaullah accused the defunct committee of attempting to sabotage the ongoing election process in AJK. He pointed out that the committee knew elections were due before August 4 and had called for a protest on June 9 back in January.
He recalled that the Action Committee initially emerged in 2023 with demands related to electricity tariffs and wheat subsidy. The government had already addressed major demands by providing electricity at Rs 4 per unit, subsidized wheat, and a Rs 23 billion relief package for the region.
Support for Kashmir Cause
The adviser reaffirmed Pakistan's continued support for the Kashmir cause and the rights of Kashmiri people, adding that peace and stability in AJK would be maintained according to the law.
He also refuted opposition leader's allegations of massive rigging in the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) elections held on June 7, noting that re-elections at certain polling stations in five constituencies had been announced following complaints.
Opposition's Concerns and Walkout
Earlier, Leader of the Opposition Raja Nasir Abbas alleged massive rigging in GB's general election, stating that masses have a constitutional right to elect their representatives. He warned of dangerous consequences for creating distance between people and the system.
Referring to recent unrest in AJK, he said political interference would bring more turbulence. He claimed that the federal government's policy to weaken the opposition was a dangerous trend and that use of force could not resolve problems.
After Senate Deputy Chairman Syedaal Khan Nasar did not allow the opposition leader to speak further, PTI members staged a protest walkout. The deputy chairman advised Senator Abbas to contact GB's Election Commission if he had any complaints.
Finance Minister on Fuel Subsidy
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told the House that the government would continue efforts to protect low-income groups from higher fuel prices while maintaining economic stability. He said Rs 5.4 billion had been disbursed under a targeted fuel subsidy program, along with Rs 4.61 billion support to small farmers due to rising international petroleum prices.
Responding to a calling attention notice by PTI Senator Mohsin Aziz, the finance minister explained that the relief package was announced after Middle East tensions led to global oil price increases. Around 800,000 motorcycle owners benefited from the subsidy, and financial assistance ranging from Rs 35,000 to Rs 100,000 was provided to passenger and goods transport vehicles.
