Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs and Senator Rana Sanaullah has said that the government held negotiations with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee in Azad Kashmir and accepted several of its demands, but a deadlock remains over the issue of refugee seats.
Speaking during a Senate session, Rana Sanaullah said the government engaged in detailed talks with the committee and, on the Prime Minister’s instructions, approved a number of demands related to public welfare. He said one of the committee’s key demands was the abolition of 12 seats reserved for refugees, a matter on which differences still persist.
He stated that ending refugee representation would undermine the historical and political identity of Kashmir, noting that Maqbool Bhat himself came from a refugee background.
The prime minister’s adviser claimed that the committee was aware elections were expected before August 4 and was attempting to disrupt the electoral process. He added that on May 30, the government had provided a detailed response regarding all 37 demands raised by the committee.
According to Rana Sanaullah, the committee had also demanded the removal of clauses related to Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan from the oath-taking declaration. He said the committee is not affiliated with any political party and is unwilling to participate in elections.
He further alleged that members of the committee opened fire and engaged in acts of mobilization against state institutions, while Indian media channels were portraying the developments as “Operation Sindoor 2.”
Rana Sanaullah maintained that law enforcement agencies in Azad Kashmir are fulfilling their responsibilities and that Pakistan will protect the region’s peace, stability, and security at all costs. He emphasized that Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein and that countless sacrifices have been made for its freedom and accession to Pakistan. Those involved in disorder, he said, will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
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