AJK PM Demands Refugee Seats Abolished, Centre Says No
News Desk
Islamabad: Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has described the abolition of refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly as a “legitimate demand,” calling for a meaningful constitutional debate on the issue.
In a statement, Rathore said the matter should not be viewed as a complaint or grievance but as a legitimate political demand that deserves serious discussion.
He stressed that the appropriate forum for deliberating the issue is the AJK Legislative Assembly.
“The solution to this issue is possible only through democratic and constitutional mechanisms,” Rathore said, adding that all stakeholders would eventually recognize this reality.
He urged political parties to pursue their objectives through parliamentary and democratic processes rather than protests or unrest.
“The best way to secure political rights is through political struggle, not agitation or riots,” he said.
Centre Insists Seats Stay
Responding to Rathore’s remarks, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the federal government’s position is that the 12 refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly cannot be abolished immediately, as doing so would require a constitutional amendment.
He said the seats remain constitutionally protected and will continue to exist unless amended through the prescribed legal process.
“If the newly elected assembly decides to revisit the issue after elections, it can initiate the required constitutional amendment,” Chaudhry said.
The minister added that Rathore had not shared any specific proposal or formula with the federal government regarding the matter.
“We cannot comment on reports circulating on social media. If the Prime Minister discusses the issue with the Azad Kashmir chapter of the Pakistan Muslim League (N), we will respond accordingly,” Chaudhry said.
The exchange highlights growing debate over the future of the 12 refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, with the AJK government advocating constitutional dialogue while the federal government maintaining that any change must follow the constitutional amendment process.
