Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has accused the Action Committee in Azad Jammu and Kashmir of using the issue of refugee seats to advance a broader political agenda. Speaking in the National Assembly, he said the group was attempting to create pressure through mass mobilisation rather than pursuing democratic and constitutional channels.
Addressing lawmakers, Rana Sanaullah said the committee had presented 38 demands to the government last year. According to him, the government took practical steps on nearly all of those demands, demonstrating its willingness to address public concerns through dialogue and administrative measures.
He stated that despite these efforts, the committee adopted a confrontational approach and organized protests in different parts of Azad Kashmir. The adviser argued that such actions were unnecessary because the government had already shown flexibility in resolving outstanding issues.
Referring to economic measures, Rana Sanaullah said the federal government had provided significant support regarding electricity and wheat subsidies. He noted that electricity rates in Azad Kashmir remain considerably lower than in many other parts of Pakistan, while subsidies continue to ease the financial burden on residents.
The adviser also discussed the controversy surrounding refugee seats in the Azad Kashmir Assembly. He said the government was open to considering recommendations through constitutional mechanisms, but opposed demands seeking the complete abolition of refugee seats.
According to Rana Sanaullah, depriving refugees of their voting rights would contradict the objectives of the Kashmir cause and undermine political representation for displaced communities. He stressed that any reforms should be pursued through consultation and consensus rather than pressure tactics.
Concluding his remarks, Rana Sanaullah said multiple options had been offered to address the dispute, but these proposals were rejected. He urged all stakeholders to engage through democratic institutions and constructive dialogue to find a lasting solution to the issue.
