Defence minister Khawaja Asif says his remarks were misunderstood, pledges to protect refugee-reserved seats and reiterates Pakistan’s longstanding support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
SIALKOT: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has dismissed claims that he questioned the Kashmiri identity of the people of Rawalakot, saying his earlier remarks had been misinterpreted and reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a public gathering in Sialkot on Friday, the senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said he had “never said that the people of Rawalakot are not Kashmiris.” He added that Pakistan’s relationship with Kashmir remains steadfast and asserted that pro-Pakistan slogans continue to be raised in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Asif also vowed that the government would not abolish refugee-reserved seats, describing Kashmiri refugees as the legitimate stakeholders whose political representation must be preserved.
“The refugee seats will not be abolished. Kashmiri refugees are the true heirs of these constituencies,” he said, adding that the government remained committed to protecting their constitutional and political rights.
The defence minister criticized the Action Committee operating in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that it had fueled unrest despite the government previously accepting several of its demands. According to Asif, the government had already allocated between Rs24 billion and Rs25 billion to address public concerns.
Without providing evidence, he further claimed that some members of the committee were “suspicious” and receiving foreign funding, alleging that their actions were creating instability rather than encouraging constructive engagement.
Commenting on the political landscape, Asif expressed confidence that the PML-N would form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He said the party remained focused on development, political stability and improving public welfare across the region.
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