Politics is being played on refugee seats in Azad Kashmir, says Khawaja Asif

Defence Minister stands by his controversial stance despite criticism from Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has asserted that opportunistic politics is being played over the legislative assembly seats reserved for refugees in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Speaking during an appearance on the news programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada, Asif lamented that politicians are actively insulting those who made immense sacrifices in the war, purely to gain an electoral advantage in the upcoming Kashmir elections.

Addressing the internal friction within the ruling coalition, the Defence Minister noted that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has every right to express his views and that he welcomes his criticism. However, Asif made it clear that he stands firmly by his original point of view. He added a caveat regarding party discipline, stating that if his own party leadership issues a formal “shut-up call” to him, he will comply and remain quiet on the matter.

The political dispute also touches upon the ongoing mediation efforts with local protest committees in the region. Asif stated that the federal government ultimately needs to decide whether these complex regional problems can be successfully resolved under the political leadership of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. This statement follows recent calls in the National Assembly for patience and structured dialogue regarding the AJK Charter of Demand.