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, urging political leaders to find a way forward through dialogue and reforms. Farooq emphasizes the need for reforms in all institutions, noting that AJK cannot continue with its large administrative structure and high expenditure.

He also reaffirms that subsidies on electricity and flour will continue, but relief and concessions should be targeted based on data. Farooq clarifies the distinction between constitutional offices and the executive, stating that while the assembly speaker is influential, he is not part of the government. The current government has not been expanded due to pending elections in seven constituencies of Poonch division, which he claims are necessary for a complete and functional government.

Farooq encourages the state president and political leadership to engage in dialogue to resolve the situation, accusing the PPP of exploiting Poonch for political gain.

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