Defence Minister Khawaja Asif strongly opposed the demand to eliminate 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly, cautioning that such moves ahead of the July 27 regional elections represent an attempt to undermine the democratic process. He described these demands as a form of “blackmail” aimed at sabotaging the electoral system.
His remarks come amid growing tensions in AJK, where the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a regional alliance, has called for a strike and shutter-down protest on June 9 to press for the abolition of these reserved seats. The JKJAAC argues that the seats distort local representation, but Asif urged all parties to pursue democratic channels to have their views heard.
The controversy revolves around 12 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly specifically allocated for refugees who migrated from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and now reside in various provinces across Pakistan. These constituencies have been a point of contention as the general election approaches.
Asif, whose own constituency in Sialkot hosts a significant population of Jammu refugees who settled there following the 1947 partition, defended their political rights passionately. He highlighted the sacrifices made by these refugees, noting that over two hundred thousand lives were lost during their migration and that many families have endured decades of hardship and poverty. He questioned how their rights could be taken away after such sacrifices.
Meanwhile, the escalating dispute has raised the possibility of a full regional shutdown in AJK, prompting the local government to seek urgent intervention from both the judiciary and federal law enforcement agencies. On Friday, the Election Commission of AJK confirmed the general election schedule, setting polling day for July 27.
To ensure security ahead of the June 9 strike, Islamabad police have authorized the deployment of 1,505 personnel equipped with anti-riot gear to AJK. This contingent, led by a Deputy Inspector General, includes specialized units from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Safe City operations, with a reserve force placed on high alert to maintain order.
In a significant development, the AJK government has also approached the region’s Supreme Court under Article 46-A of the AJK Interim Constitution, which permits seeking advisory opinions on issues of public importance. A two-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Raja Saeed Akram, accepted the reference concerning the constitutional status of the 12 refugee seats.
The court has issued notices to the state government, opposition parties, bar councils, and the public, scheduling an expedited hearing to address the matter. While regional activists continue to challenge the legitimacy of the reserved seats, prominent Pakistani politicians like Asif emphasize their importance in recognizing the historical sacrifices and rights of displaced Kashmiris living across Pakistan.
