ISLAMABAD — Defence Minister Khawaja Asif faced severe backlash on the floor of the National Assembly on Wednesday from ruling coalition partner Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over controversial remarks regarding the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The political storm erupted after Asif claimed in a television interview that he did not consider the people of Rawalakot—the epicenter of recent protests by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC)—as Kashmiris. Despite the minister’s subsequent clarifications, the comments triggered an aggressive response from the PPP leadership during the legislative session.
Bilawal Bhutto criticizes Khawaja Asif over his remarks about Kashmiris, questioning how the defence minister could make such a statement about the people of Rawalakot and still remain in office without issuing an apology. pic.twitter.com/IcTrpos3rL
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) June 24, 2026
Key Parliamentary Developments
- The PPP strongly condemned the “sweeping statement,” arguing it deeply hurt regional sentiments.
- Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari questioned Asif’s position in the cabinet for fueling the AJK crisis.
- The government formally endorsed JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to lead peace mediation with JAAC.
- The National Assembly separately approved over Rs1 trillion in supplementary budgets for the state.
Internal Coalition Friction and AJK Security Policy
The diplomatic and political dispute highlights growing friction within the ruling alliance. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari argued that while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is working to build a peaceful consensus with both allies and the opposition, certain federal ministers are actively creating hurdles. He urged the government to give political space to Maulana Fazlur Rehman to de-escalate the ongoing civil lockdown in Rawalakot.
AJK Political Standoff & Parliament Tracker
• Controversial Claim: Defence Minister stated Rawalakot residents lack Kashmiri identity.
• Coalition Backlash: PPP accuses cabinet members of undermining the national Kashmir cause.
• State Counter-Track: Rana Sanaullah reveals JAAC demanded removal of Pakistan-accession oath.
• House Fiscal Action: Parliament legalizes billions in supplementary grants amid opposition rows.
Defending the state’s stance, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah informed the House that the proscribed JAAC’s ongoing agitation is a deliberate attempt to halt the region’s upcoming July elections. He revealed that the group’s demands include removing the constitutional clause pledging Kashmir’s ultimate accession to Pakistan from official nomination papers. Striking a defensive tone, Khawaja Asif later challenged the opposition benches to clean their own hands, move past bitter political histories, and sign a fresh “Charter of Democracy” to stabilize the parliamentary system.
