Tarar calls for end to differences over AJKLA refugee seats via democratic means

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) wing of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has appealed to the regional Election Commission to cancel the announcement of election dates for 12 refugee constituencies in the Legislative Assembly, considering the delicate situation as protests were expected from the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

These seats have been allocated for refugees from the province of Jammu and Kashmir, who migrated to the neighboring country during the year 1947. The JAAC has been calling for the scrapping of these seats and also protesting against them through the upcoming elections on July 27.

However, the Information Minister Ataullah Tarar stressed that only democracy could provide legitimacy to any decision taken, especially after receiving the mandate from the people. He further pointed out that substantial financial provisions had been made by the federal government in favor of AJK development for projects of social welfare, such as electricity and infrastructure.

He added that while protests are a constitutional right in the country, no citizen should indulge in acts of violence against any institution or body. Tarar stressed that disputes must be sorted out amicably through dialogue and not through confrontations.

The party further argued that most of JAAC’s demands had already been addressed through previous negotiations, with only the constitutional issue of refugee seats still unresolved.

PPP leaders called for renewed dialogue, warning that prolonged tensions could create instability and provide an opportunity for hostile forces to exploit the situation.