The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has called on the Election Commission to withdraw the recently announced election schedule for refugee seats, citing the prevailing political and security situation in the region.
PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin Speaks at News Conference
Speaking at a news conference at Jammu and Kashmir House following a meeting of the party’s core committee, PPP AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin emphasized that dialogue and political consensus are essential to addressing the challenges currently facing the state and reducing tensions. Several senior party leaders were present, including Parliamentary Leader Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan, Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed, government ministers, advisers, and party officials.
Kashmir Issue Central to PPP's Agenda
Yasin said the Kashmir issue has always remained central to the PPP’s political agenda and paid tribute to former leaders Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto for their historic role in highlighting the Kashmir cause at the international level. He noted that over the past seven months, significant efforts had been made to address public concerns and strengthen democratic institutions.
According to him, 37 out of 38 demands raised by the Public Action Committee had already been implemented, while the remaining issue concerning refugee seats was a constitutional matter still under consideration. He added that alternative legal and constitutional avenues were available to resolve the issue.
Criticism of Election Timing
Criticizing the timing of the election announcement, Yasin said it was inappropriate to issue the election schedule for refugee seats just three days before a planned protest call. He noted that all parties involved in the negotiations had demonstrated a positive attitude and that the Public Action Committee had been requested to grant a one-week extension to facilitate further discussions; however, the request was not accepted.
He argued that conducting elections under the current circumstances would be difficult and urged the Election Commission to withdraw the election schedule and allow the consultation process to continue. Yasin stressed that the PPP does not support confrontation or conflict, adding that the 12 refugee seats could not be considered more valuable than human lives. He also warned that hostile forces, particularly India, could seek to exploit the current situation and called on all political stakeholders to act responsibly.
Worsening Conditions in AJK
Highlighting the worsening conditions in AJK, Yasin said shortages of essential food items were emerging and that the state was facing serious challenges and uncertainty. He emphasized that dialogue, political harmony, and the continuation of the democratic process offered the only viable path to resolving the crisis.
PPP Parliamentary Leader Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan
Speaking on the occasion, PPP Parliamentary Leader Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan said all stakeholders must play their role in improving the situation. He maintained that elections were not more important than human lives and blamed hasty and unwise decisions for the current state of affairs. Khan reiterated the PPP’s commitment to democratic values and support for considering the peaceful demands of the public. He called for the immediate withdrawal of the election schedule to create an environment conducive to reconciliation.
Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed
Senior Minister Mian Abdul Waheed said that safeguarding the state was the foremost priority and warned that Azad Kashmir could not afford further tension and confrontation. He urged all parties to engage in immediate negotiations to find a mutually acceptable solution.
Waheed emphasized the close bond between Pakistan and Kashmir, stating that the Kashmiri people’s attachment to Pakistan remained strong and that India would never succeed in creating divisions between them. He added that all those who had lost their lives or suffered in the unrest were part of the same community and called on political parties, the public, and overseas Kashmiris to demonstrate unity and solidarity.
Despite political differences, he said, the interests of the state must take precedence. He urged all stakeholders to pursue dialogue, understanding, and consultation to resolve the ongoing crisis, adding that there was still time to reach a consensus and postpone the elections in light of the prevailing circumstances.
