ISLAMABAD, Jun 25 (Alliance News): Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday welcomed criticism from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari over his recent remarks regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), but maintained that he remained firm on his position.
Speaking in an interview with a private news channel, Khawaja Asif said political issues were being linked with the reserved seats allocated for refugees in AJK and claimed that those who had made sacrifices during the Kashmir conflict should not be disrespected.
“I welcome Bilawal’s criticism, but I stand by my point of view,” the defence minister said.
He added that if his party leadership directed him to avoid commenting further on the matter, he would respect that decision and remain silent.
Khawaja Asif also said that the government would decide whether the issue could be addressed through the involvement of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who has been suggested as a possible mediator.
The remarks came after Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticised statements made by federal ministers regarding AJK during a National Assembly session, saying that such comments could increase tensions rather than resolve issues.
Bilawal, whose party is a coalition partner of the federal government, urged Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to ensure better coordination among his ministers.
“Why do we have ministers who say that residents of Rawalakot are not Kashmiris?” Bilawal questioned, adding that the minister concerned should have apologised for the remarks.
He said that instead of reducing tensions, some statements had “added fuel to the fire” and stressed that political leadership should work towards resolving the issue through dialogue.
The National Assembly also witnessed discussion on the matter as opposition and government lawmakers raised concerns over Khawaja Asif’s reported comments regarding residents of AJK.
The controversy emerged amid unrest in AJK following a June 9 strike announced by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
The protest was linked to objections over the allocation of 12 reserved seats for refugees in the upcoming July 27 elections for the AJK Legislative Assembly, which consists of 45 seats.
The refugee seats represent people displaced from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir who now reside in Pakistan.
Political leaders from different parties have called for dialogue to address concerns and avoid further escalation, with Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s possible role as a mediator also being discussed.
