Islamabad: The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving reserved refugee seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly, describing them as a constitutional right for families displaced from Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to Beyond Time News, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah informed the Senate that the 12 reserved refugee seats cannot be abolished through executive decisions and will continue to remain part of AJK’s constitutional framework.
Government Defends Refugee Representation
Addressing the upper house, Rana Sanaullah emphasized that the refugee seats represent thousands of families who migrated from Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and continue to hold a unique constitutional status.
He stated that neither the federal government nor any administrative authority could eliminate these seats through executive orders. Instead, any such move would require constitutional and legal changes.
Furthermore, he noted that political parties, constitutional institutions, and parliamentary forums in AJK broadly support maintaining refugee representation in the legislative assembly.
The adviser described the issue as highly sensitive and stressed that the government remains committed to protecting the constitutional rights of displaced Kashmiris.
Government Accepts Majority of JAAC Demands
During the Senate session, Sanaullah also discussed negotiations with the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
He said the government accepted 37 out of 38 demands presented by the committee after months of dialogue and consultations.
According to him, both sides signed a formal agreement covering most of the demands. However, the issue of refugee seats remained unresolved because it involves constitutional and legal complexities.
As a result, the government could not immediately address the demand despite extensive discussions.
Earlier this month, the AJK government declared JAAC a proscribed organization under anti-terrorism laws, adding another dimension to the ongoing political debate in the region.
Relief Measures Introduced in AJK
Sanaullah highlighted several steps taken by the government to address public concerns in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
He stated that authorities reduced electricity tariffs to Rs4 per unit and introduced subsidized wheat for residents. In addition, the government announced a relief package worth Rs23 billion to support the region’s economy.
According to the adviser, these measures addressed many of the concerns raised by JAAC and other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, he accused certain elements of attempting to create instability ahead of the upcoming AJK elections.
He noted that elections are expected before August 4 and claimed that some groups had announced protest plans months in advance. Nevertheless, he assured lawmakers that authorities would maintain law and order while respecting democratic rights.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Gilgit-Baltistan Elections
The Senate session also witnessed sharp criticism from Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas regarding the recent Gilgit-Baltistan elections.
He alleged that widespread irregularities affected the June 7 polls and argued that the results did not reflect the will of the people.
Furthermore, Abbas warned that electoral controversies could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions. He stressed that maintaining transparency and public trust remains essential for political stability.
The opposition leader also referred to developments in AJK and cautioned against political interference in public affairs.
According to him, restrictions on information often create uncertainty and encourage speculation among the public.
PTI Members Stage Walkout
Tensions rose during the Senate proceedings when the deputy chairman stopped Raja Nasir Abbas from continuing his remarks on the Gilgit-Baltistan elections.
Following the decision, members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) staged a protest walkout from the Senate chamber.
However, Deputy Chairman Syedaal Khan Nasar advised the opposition to pursue any election-related complaints through the relevant electoral institutions, including the Gilgit-Baltistan Election Commission.
The incident highlighted ongoing political divisions over the conduct and outcome of the elections.
Government Reports Progress on Fuel Subsidy Programme
The Senate also received an update on the government’s targeted fuel subsidy initiative.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb informed lawmakers that authorities have distributed Rs5.4 billion under the programme so far. Additionally, the government provided Rs4.61 billion in support to small farmers affected by rising fuel prices.
He explained that the government introduced targeted assistance after international oil prices increased due to tensions in the Middle East.
Instead of offering a universal subsidy, authorities focused support on vulnerable groups, including motorcycle owners, public transport users, transport operators, and small-scale farmers.
Consequently, the programme helped reduce the financial burden on lower-income households while supporting economic stability.
Thousands Benefit from Financial Assistance
According to the finance minister, nearly 800,000 motorcycle owners have benefited from the subsidy programme.
Moreover, authorities provided financial assistance ranging from Rs35,000 to Rs100,000 to passenger and goods transport vehicle owners.
In the first phase, the government distributed Rs3.5 billion among more than 105,000 vehicle owners. Subsequently, officials disbursed another Rs1.9 billion among over 65,000 beneficiaries during the second phase.
Aurangzeb stated that authorities used a transparent verification mechanism to ensure assistance reached eligible recipients.
Read more:AJK Government Announces Rs10 Million Reward Amid Crackdown on JAAC Leaders After Deadly Unrest
Senate Approves Five Important Bills
In addition to political and economic discussions, the Senate unanimously passed five legislative measures.
The approved bills included amendments related to motion pictures, travel agencies, tourist guides, hotels and restaurants, and the repeal of the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation conversion law.
Lawmakers described the legislation as part of broader efforts to modernize regulatory frameworks and improve governance across various sectors.
Refugee Representation Remains a Key Constitutional Issue
The Senate debate underscored the continued significance of refugee representation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s political structure.
While discussions on governance, elections, and economic relief dominated the session, the government made it clear that refugee seats remain protected under the existing constitutional framework.
As AJK prepares for upcoming elections, the issue is expected to remain a central topic in political discussions across the region.
FAQs
How many refugee seats are reserved in the AJK Legislative Assembly?
There are 12 reserved seats for refugees representing families displaced from Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Can the government abolish the refugee seats through executive orders?
No. According to government officials, these seats are protected under constitutional and legal provisions and cannot be removed through executive decisions.
What did the government say about JAAC’s demands?
The government stated that it accepted 37 out of 38 demands presented by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee.
How much has the government distributed under the fuel subsidy programme?
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb told the Senate that Rs5.4 billion has been distributed so far under the targeted fuel subsidy initiative.
Which bills did the Senate pass during the session?
The Senate unanimously approved five bills related to motion pictures, travel agencies, tourist guides, hotels and restaurants, and Pakistan International Airlines legislation.
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