ISLAMABAD, JUN 5 – Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has criticized the Azad Kashmir People’s Action Committee’s demand to abolish refugee seats, calling it undemocratic and an attempt to disrupt the upcoming electoral process.
In a statement on X regarding the Azad Kashmir elections, Asif said the polls are scheduled for July 27 and any demand related to representation should be placed before the people through the democratic process.
He said the Action Committee has demanded the abolition of 12 seats elected from Pakistan. He termed the demand, made ahead of the Azad Kashmir elections, as tantamount to sabotaging the electoral process.
The minister said democratic thinking requires that such a proposal should be presented before the people on election day so voters can decide for themselves.
Khawaja Asif said the people should be allowed to determine the shape of their representation through the vote. He said placing the issue before the electorate on July 27 would reflect democratic thinking.
Otherwise, he warned, the demand would be seen as blackmail rather than a democratic position.
The defence minister said there is a full Kashmir Assembly seat from Sialkot city and tehsil. He questioned how refugees could be deprived of their rights after decades of hardship.
Khawaja Asif said these refugees had lived in difficult and helpless conditions for many years and had paid a very high price for freedom.
Asif stressed that those seeking changes in representation should adopt a democratic path. He said opinions should be recognized through electoral and constitutional means rather than through pressure before the polls.
The defence minister maintained that refugee communities must not be deprived of their political rights.
