Summary PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique says refugee seats in Azad Jammu and Kashmir must be retained, calling for electoral reforms instead of abolishing the system.
ATTOCK (Dunya News) — Former federal minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Saad Rafique on Wednesday said refugee seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly should not be abolished under any circumstances, calling instead for reforms to improve the electoral system.
Addressing party workers and leaders at the residence of former MNA Sheikh Aftab Ahmed in Attock, Saad Rafique said Pakistan shares an enduring bond with the people of Kashmir and reaffirmed the country's political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmir cause.
He said the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Commenting on the AJK electoral system, the PML-N leader said any shortcomings should be addressed through reforms rather than by eliminating refugee seats.
"If there are flaws in the electoral system, they should be corrected. Abolishing the system is not the solution," he said.
Saad Rafique also said peaceful protest is a constitutional right of every citizen but stressed that demonstrations should not create unnecessary hardships for the public. He added that political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue, tolerance and democratic engagement.
The former minister said Pakistan seeks peace rather than conflict and that the country's defence capabilities are intended to safeguard national security. He also expressed concern over alleged attempts to alter the demographic composition of Indian-administered Kashmir and paid tribute to the sacrifices of Pakistan's armed forces.
Highlighting development priorities, Saad Rafique said greater attention should be given to development projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while noting that poverty and unemployment remain shared challenges across Pakistan.
He concluded by saying that national unity, political stability and democratic continuity from Kashmir to Karachi are essential for Pakistan's long-term progress and prosperity.
