Engineer Rohan Chaudhary (Mirpur)
Azad Kashmir: Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Solidarity Council USA & Canada, Javed Rathore, has called for Azad Kashmir’s representation in Pakistan’s Senate and National Assembly. Speaking at a press conference at Kashmir Press Club, Mirpur, he urged that the number of reserved seats for overseas Kashmiris be increased to five, while the twelve seats allocated for refugees should be abolished to prevent political blackmail in government formation.
Javed Rathore emphasized that refugees living in Pakistan face local issues and should be given representation in the provincial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. Meanwhile, seats in the Azad Kashmir Assembly should be reserved for refugees from Jammu and the Valley.
To ensure sustainable development in the region, Rathore proposed the establishment of an “Azad Kashmir Development Board” that would operate independently of political influence. He criticized the governance model of Azad Kashmir, stating that it is being run like a colony, with all major decisions being made in Pakistan.
He was accompanied by Sardar Zulfiqar Ali (USA) and prominent social and business figure Shafiq Ahmed Butt. Rathore strongly opposed the appointment of uninformed individuals to key positions related to Kashmir affairs, calling it an insult to Kashmiris.
He highlighted the region’s rich natural resources, stressing that proper planning and investment in tourism and hydropower projects could significantly boost the economy. He lamented the lack of initiatives in this regard, which forces educated and skilled individuals to seek opportunities abroad.
Javed Rathore also acknowledged the critical role of overseas Kashmiris in strengthening Pakistan’s economy through remittances but pointed out the challenges they face upon returning home. He urged the Federal Interior Minister to take immediate notice of these issues and provide relief to overseas Pakistanis.
