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AJK Assembly condemns ministers' remarks, backs Truth Commission
🇵🇰 Pakistan /Elections & Politics

AJK Assembly condemns ministers' remarks, backs Truth Commission

From Dawn · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Assembly adopted resolutions condemning federal ministers' remarks and endorsing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
  • The condemnation targeted statements made during recent unrest in Rawalakot, which allegedly fueled public sentiment.
  • The assembly also called for fair elections and dialogue, warning against continued confrontation.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed two resolutions, one condemning remarks by federal ministers concerning recent unrest in Rawalakot and another supporting the establishment of an independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission. These actions come amid ongoing phased elections in AJK, which have been marked by scuffles, violence, and rigging allegations.

The first resolution, tabled by former AJK president Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan, specifically censured Defence Minister Khawaja Asif for allegedly refusing to recognize Rawalakot residents as Kashmiris. The assembly stated that such "irresponsible" statements exacerbated public sentiment and called for Prime Minister intervention. The resolution highlighted the historical contributions of the region's people to Pakistan and expressed that the federal ministers' comments added "fuel to the fire."

irresponsible

— AJK Legislative Assembly resolutionThe resolution described the statements made by federal ministers regarding the Rawalakot incidents.

The second resolution endorsed a proposal by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to create a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It urged that no further action be taken in Rawalakot until this mechanism is in place. The assembly also called on the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections, demanding that irregularities in the recent Mirpur division polls be addressed. It stressed that dialogue is the only way forward, warning that confrontation would benefit India internationally.

The assembly session saw limited attendance, with only nine members present. The resolutions were adopted amidst concerns over security and electoral malpractice during the ongoing polls, which are being conducted in three phases.

added fuel to the fire

— AJK Legislative Assembly resolutionThe resolution stated that the federal ministers' statements negatively affected people in Rawalakot and the wider Kashmiri diaspora.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dawn in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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