The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly Thursday passed a resolution declaring the representation of Kashmiri refugees residing in Pakistan a historical and constitutional reality, while affirming that constitutional reforms fall within the exclusive mandate of the people’s elected representatives.
The resolution was presented in the assembly by AJK Finance Minister Qasim Majeed during the session.
The resolution stated that constitutional reforms are the sole authority and responsibility of elected representatives and reaffirmed the constitutional status of refugee representation within Azad Kashmir’s legislative framework.
Addressing the session, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chaudhry Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said the region’s realities were closely linked to its interests and development priorities.
“Our relationship with Pakistan is based on love, shared values and mutual interests,” he said.
The prime minister said that despite development challenges across Pakistan, Azad Kashmir enjoyed comparatively better facilities, particularly in areas along the Line of Control (LoC).
He noted that electricity was still being provided within the state at a subsidised rate and stressed that Azad Kashmir possessed significant resources and potential for future growth.
“If we focus on our resources and potential, this state can go a long way,” Rathore said.
Highlighting his government’s performance, he said that after assuming office, the Pakistan Peoples Party-led administration restored contact with the public, opened the Prime Minister’s Office to citizens and adopted people-friendly policies.
“We remained engaged for long hours and worked to resolve public issues,” he said.
Rathore said the political system had been built collectively and the people on both sides of the Line of Control were part of the same community.
The prime minister also highlighted Azad Kashmir’s tourism potential, saying the region’s natural beauty attracts visitors from across the country.
“People come here to witness the beauty of this region,” he said.
Claiming significant progress in governance and public service delivery, Rathore said his government had resolved 98 percent of the issues it inherited.
