Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah accused the banned Action Committee of using the issue of refugee seats as a pretext to exert pressure in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking in the National Assembly, he said the government had addressed most of the committee’s demands. He argued that attempts to remove refugee representation would undermine the principles of the Kashmir cause.
Rana said the committee had presented 38 demands last year and claimed the government had taken steps on nearly all of them. He noted that authorities provided financial support to address concerns related to electricity costs. According to him, residents of Azad Jammu and Kashmir continue to receive electricity at heavily subsidised rates compared with the rest of Pakistan.
The adviser also highlighted government support through wheat subsidies and other relief measures. He maintained that authorities had remained engaged with stakeholders and had shown willingness to resolve issues through dialogue. However, he criticised the committee for resorting to protests and confrontational tactics despite government efforts.
Addressing the controversy over refugee seats, Rana said the committee wanted the 12 seats reserved for refugees in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Assembly abolished. He argued that depriving refugees of their voting rights would contradict the objectives of the Kashmir freedom movement. He added that the government had offered several alternatives, but those proposals were rejected.
Rana further alleged that the committee was attempting to impose its demands through pressure tactics rather than constitutional channels. He said recommendations regarding refugee seats should be presented to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government for consideration. The adviser reiterated that political and democratic processes remain the appropriate way to address constitutional and governance issues.