Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has strongly defended the rights of Kashmiri refugees, saying their sacrifices are deeply linked to the history and existence of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and warning against any attempt to deprive them of political representation
Speaking in the National Assembly, Khawaja Asif said Kashmiri refugees had paid a heavy price while migrating to Pakistan and deserved respect and recognition for their sacrifices.
He said efforts to take away their representation were unjustified and ignored their historical contribution to the Kashmir cause.
"You cannot take away the right of refugees to be Kashmiris," the minister said during his speech.
'Sacrifices built present-day Azad Kashmir'
Khawaja Asif said the foundation of present-day Azad Kashmir was linked to the sacrifices made by Kashmiri refugees.
According to the minister, thousands of Kashmiris lost their lives while migrating towards Pakistan during the partition era.
He claimed that around 250,000 Kashmiris were martyred and that the sacrifices of those families remain an inseparable part of Pakistan's and Kashmir's history.
"The existence of today's Azad Kashmir includes the sacrifices of these refugees," he said.
Accuses opponents of political motives
The defence minister alleged that some political groups wanted the issue resolved before elections in order to shape an assembly of their choice.
He argued that the matter should not be politicised and that the rights of Kashmiri refugees should be protected regardless of political considerations.
Khawaja Asif reiterated Pakistan's longstanding support for the Kashmir cause, saying the country had consistently stood with the people of Kashmir.
He said Pakistan's armed forces continue to safeguard the interests of Kashmiris and emphasized national unity beyond ethnic or regional identities.
"There are no Sindhis, Punjabis, Pathans or refugees in this struggle; we are all Pakistanis," he remarked.
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