AJK unrest sparks heated debate in National Assembly

The situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir dominated proceedings in the National Assembly as political leaders exchanged sharp views over the ongoing unrest in the region.

The situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir dominated proceedings in the National Assembly as political leaders exchanged sharp views over the ongoing unrest in the region.

The debate came after recent protests and clashes in AJK that left several people, including law enforcement personnel, dead and dozens injured.

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman called on all sides to show patience and restraint during the sensitive situation.

He said emotional statements and confrontational remarks could further increase tensions and complicate efforts aimed at restoring peace.

The senior politician stressed that governments should respond with responsibility and wisdom during times of crisis.

Fazlur Rehman revealed that he had received a formal letter from the Awami Action Committee outlining its demands and concerns regarding the current situation in AJK.

He said he had forwarded the letter to the federal government for consideration and was awaiting a response.

The JUI-F chief urged the government to carefully review the protesters’ charter of demands and engage with them through dialogue.

He emphasized that political disagreements should be resolved through negotiations rather than force.

Fazlur Rehman also welcomed the committee’s decision to postpone its planned march towards Muzaffarabad, describing it as a positive step towards reducing tensions.

During his speech, he criticized remarks attributed to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and said such statements were not appropriate at a time when calm and unity were needed.

Meanwhile, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed concern over comments made by certain federal ministers regarding the situation in AJK.

He said some statements had created unnecessary controversy and had made efforts to resolve the issue more difficult.

Bilawal urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure that members of the federal cabinet exercise caution while speaking on sensitive national matters.

He suggested that Maulana Fazlur Rehman could play an important role in mediation and dialogue between the parties involved.

The PPP chairman said political engagement and communication remained the best path towards a peaceful solution.

Responding on behalf of the government, senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah defended the government’s handling of the situation.

He said the administration had already taken several steps to address public concerns in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Sanaullah, financial support had been provided for electricity-related relief measures and wheat subsidies in the region.

He added that a committee had been formed to review concerns regarding the reserved refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly.

The government representative maintained that constitutional and legal procedures should be used to resolve disputes over electoral matters.

He accused certain protest organisers of attempting to delay the electoral process through agitation and pressure tactics.

Sanaullah said the government remained open to dialogue and welcomed any mediation efforts that could help resolve the crisis peacefully.

He also acknowledged the importance of national unity on issues related to Kashmir and called for cooperation among all political stakeholders.

The discussion in parliament reflected growing concern over the evolving situation in AJK and highlighted increasing demands for negotiations, political consensus and a peaceful resolution to the dispute.