‘I never said Rawalakot people aren’t Kashmiris’, Khawaja Asif

SIALKOT: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has rejected claims that he questioned the Kashmiri identity of the people of Rawalakot, saying his remarks had been misunderstood and reaffirming Pakistan’s 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 stressed that Pakistan’s bond with Kashmir remains unwavering and added that pro-Pakistan slogans continue to be raised in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Khawaja Asif also pledged that the government would not allow the abolition of refugee-reserved seats, describing Kashmiri refugees as the rightful stakeholders whose political representation must be protected.

“The refugee seats will not be abolished. Kashmiri refugees are the true heirs of these constituencies,” he told supporters, adding that the government remained committed to safeguarding their constitutional and political rights.

The defence minister also criticized the Action Committee operating in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, accusing it of encouraging unrest despite the government having previously accepted many of its demands. He claimed that financial assistance amounting to Rs24-25 billion had already been provided to address public concerns.

Without presenting evidence, Asif further alleged that some members of the committee were “suspicious” and receiving foreign funding, asserting that their activities were creating unnecessary instability instead of contributing to constructive dialogue.

Turning to politics, the PML-N leader expressed confidence that his party would form the next government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, saying the party remained committed to development, stability and public welfare in the region.

His remarks come amid heightened political debate over Kashmir-related issues and governance in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, where political parties continue to campaign on questions of representation, development and regional stability ahead of future electoral contests.