ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman sharply criticised Defence Minister Khawaja Asif during a heated National Assembly session, following his remarks about Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The controversy began after Khawaja Asif, in a television interview, said Rawalakot was “not Kashmir” and stated that he did not regard its residents as Kashmiris. He later clarified his comments on social media, saying that Kashmiri identity is rooted in decades of sacrifices and struggle rather than place of birth.
Speaking during the federal budget debate, Bilawal questioned why a federal minister remained in office after making remarks that had triggered political backlash.
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“There are certain ministers whose politics I do not understand. Instead of helping the prime minister, they create problems for him,” Bilawal told the house.
The PPP chairman argued that Pakistan’s political leadership should work collectively at a time of changing regional and international dynamics. He said dialogue and consultation among coalition partners, the opposition and institutions remained essential for addressing national challenges.
Bilawal maintained that criticism directed at political rallies differed from statements issued by serving ministers because official remarks carried greater political consequences.
Referring to tensions in AJK, he warned that controversial statements had aggravated an already sensitive situation. He also called for a political solution and suggested that Maulana Fazlur Rehman be given space to engage with the federal government, the AJK administration and protest representatives to help ease tensions.
Turning to domestic politics, Bilawal criticised coalition partners over governance issues and defended the PPP’s record on local government in Sindh. He urged political parties to focus on governance and avoid unnecessary confrontation.
Addressing the assembly, Maulana Fazlur Rehman also criticised the government’s handling of unrest in AJK and questioned the defence minister’s remarks.
Fazl welcomed the postponement of a planned protest march towards Muzaffarabad and urged authorities to pursue dialogue instead of confrontation.
He argued that Pakistan’s international efforts to promote peace should be matched by efforts to maintain political stability at home.
The JUI-F chief also raised concerns about the involvement of institutions in political affairs and said elected representatives had a responsibility to raise such matters in parliament.
The debate comes against the backdrop of recent unrest in AJK, where protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) escalated into deadly clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
Authorities and protest organisers continue to present differing accounts of the violence, which followed political tensions surrounding governance issues and the upcoming AJK elections scheduled for July 27.
Lawmakers concluded the session by calling for dialogue, political engagement and efforts to reduce tensions while protecting national and regional stability.
