Summary Speaking in the National Assembly, Azam Nazeer Tarar said that it is not possible to abolish the refugee seats of the AJK Legislative Assembly.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Federal Minister of Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, on Wednesday said that foreign elements are involved in efforts to harm the Kashmir cause.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Azam Nazeer Tarar said that it is not possible to abolish the refugee seats of the AJK Legislative Assembly, adding that doing so would damage the Kashmir cause.
He stated that subsidized electricity and flour are being provided in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and that Kashmir and Pakistan are inseparable. He further claimed that foreign actors are involved in attempts to undermine the Kashmir cause.
The Law Minister said that the Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has already issued a ruling on the matter.He noted that electricity in Kashmir is being provided at Rs 3 per unit and the flour is available at subsidized rates.
He also said that baseless claims are being made regarding elections in Gilgit-Baltistan. He stated that the opposition had to provide proof of any alleged rigging that took place there.
Tarar further said that there are 12 seats reserved for refugees, and some elements are demanding their abolition. He argued that these seats are tied to the ideology and cause of Kashmir. He added that an All Parties Conference (APC) had been convened and that leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf could have participated and contributed to consultations.
The Law Minister said that the AJK Supreme Court ruled that amending the Constitution is the prerogative of Parliament, and the newly elected Parliament will decide the matter. He stressed that Kashmir should not be used for political point-scoring.
The Federal Minister also said that decisions under Article 164 were made through mutual consultation with the provinces and that these were voluntary contributions. He emphasized that the funds belong to the people of Pakistan, not a separate country. He also criticized the previous government, saying it had left the country on the brink of default.
Tarar added that the opposition has been unwilling to sit down with the Prime Minister. As Leader of the House, he said the government is once again inviting the opposition for dialogue. He stated that the government is ready to provide the opposition with a pre-budget briefing and is constitutionally bound to answer all of their questions, but urged them to engage and help create a constructive atmosphere.
