AJK assembly speaker calls for consensus on future of refugee seats

AJK Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Tariq Farooq has called for a consensus on the future of refugee seats in the assembly, urging political leaders to resolve the current crisis through dialogue and reforms. Farooq emphasized the need for reforms in all institutions, stating that AJK could not progress with its large administrative structure and high expenditure.

He also noted that subsidies on electricity and flour would continue, but relief and concessions should be targeted based on data. Farooq clarified that the assembly speaker is not part of the government, distinguishing between constitutional offices and the executive. He stated that the government and cabinet had not been expanded due to pending elections in seven constituencies of Poonch division, which he claimed were necessary for a complete and fully functional government.

Farooq further expressed hope that informal negotiations through the AJK president would improve law and order and ease tensions in Poonch, while accusing the PPP of attempting to exploit the situation for political gain.

Brief written by urgent.news from Dawn's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.