Information Minister Calls for Democratic Resolution to AJK Refugee Seat Election Dispute

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Ataullah Tarar on Sunday urged resolving disagreements over 12 refugee seats in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Legislative Assembly through democratic and constitutional means, as the PPP’s AJK chapter demanded the election commission withdraw its polling schedule.

Ahead of July 27 elections in AJK, the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) had called for protests demanding abolition of the 12 seats reserved for refugees from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir who settled in mainland Pakistan after 1947.

These seats are voted separately from AJK’s 33 general seats, with refugees registered in 12 Pakistani constituencies electing representatives. The politically sensitive positions have long faced disputes over voter lists, delimitation, and constitutional amendments.

Tarar emphasized that elections represent the best path to achieving public mandate in democracy. “AJK is at the top of Pakistan’s priorities, with continued public welfare measures,” he said outside Parliament House.

“The federation remains committed to resolving public issues and developing AJK, including significant budget allocations for infrastructure like electricity,” he added.

“National interest and public welfare must take precedence over politics,” Tarar stated. “While everyone has the right to protest, imposing opinions through force is unacceptable. Differences should be resolved through dialogue.”

PPP Seeks Election Postponement

PPP-AJK President Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin called for withdrawing the election timetable, calling it inappropriate to issue schedules just three days after JAAC’s June 9 protest call. “Under current circumstances, holding elections appears difficult,” Yasin said at Kashmir House.

He noted negotiations showed positive attitudes, with JAAC requesting a one-week extension that was denied. “The Election Commission should withdraw the schedule to advance the consultative process. PPP opposes confrontation threatening human lives,” he said.

Yasin emphasized dialogue to defuse tensions, stating political consensus is essential. “PPP’s Kashmir focus remains strong, honoring our founders’ legacy in advocating globally,” he said, recalling implementation of 37 of 38 JAAC demands from last October’s agreement.

“Only the refugee seat constitutional matter remains unresolved, with alternative legal paths available,” he added. “AJK faces commodity shortages and uncertainty. Solutions lie in dialogue and democratic continuity.”

Warning of external exploitation, particularly by India, Yasin stressed avoiding further instability.

PPP Parliamentary Leader Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan echoed demands, calling schedule withdrawal “imperative” for reconciliation. “Elections cannot outweigh human lives. Hasty decisions brought us here,” he said.

Senior Minister Mian Abdul Wahid prioritized state stability over conflict. “AJK cannot endure more tension. All parties must urgently seek dialogue,” he said.

“Pakistan and Kashmir remain united. Despite political differences, state interests must guide us,” Wahid added, noting time remains for consensus-driven election postponement.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also urged withdrawing the “premature election schedule.”

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