A significant debate in the National Assembly focused on the evolving situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with government and opposition leaders emphasizing dialogue as the best path forward. Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah welcomed a mediation role for JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, while PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged political leaders to resolve disputes through negotiations rather than confrontation. The discussion reflected growing concern over stability ahead of upcoming developments in the region.
Rana Sanaullah defended the government’s handling of talks with the Joint Action Committee and rejected allegations that public concerns had been ignored. He stated that officials held extensive discussions with committee representatives and addressed all 38 points included in their agenda. According to him, government teams visited Muzaffarabad several times and worked closely with federal and regional authorities to find solutions to key issues raised during negotiations.
A major disagreement continues to revolve around refugee seats in the Azad Kashmir Assembly. Rana Sanaullah argued that eliminating those seats would violate constitutional principles and undermine the representation of refugees who made sacrifices for Pakistan. He said several options were proposed to resolve the matter, including referring it to the assembly and seeking legal mechanisms, but those suggestions were not accepted by the committee.
The adviser also highlighted measures already implemented by the federal government, including reduced electricity tariffs, wheat support, MRI facilities and Rs10 billion for improvements to the power infrastructure. However, he criticized demands to delay the upcoming Azad Kashmir elections, stressing that constitutional and legislative issues should be decided by the next elected assembly. He further encouraged Maulana Fazlur Rehman to engage directly with committee representatives and hear their concerns firsthand.
Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly advocated a political solution and suggested that Fazlur Rehman should be entrusted with efforts to restore calm in the region. He argued that political disputes must be settled through dialogue and criticized certain cabinet members for making statements that, in his view, increased tensions. Bilawal also urged the prime minister to ensure greater discipline within the federal cabinet and avoid actions that could complicate efforts toward reconciliation.
Responding to the debate, Maulana Fazlur Rehman stressed that successful mediation requires flexibility and goodwill from all parties involved. He warned that rigid positions could undermine any attempt to bridge differences and achieve consensus. While expressing readiness to assist, he emphasized that meaningful progress would only be possible if all stakeholders remained open to compromise and constructive engagement in pursuit of lasting stability.