Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has accused the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of challenging the historic relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir and raising the issue of Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan for political purposes. Pakistan-Saudi Relations Ishaq Dar, Saudi Foreign Minister Discuss Regional Peace and Diplomacy Speaking at a political rally in support of a candidate from LA-36 Jammu-3 on Saturday, Asif said the bond between Pakistan and Kashmir was built on shared sacrifices and could not be undermined. Refugees’ sacrifices highlighted The defence minister said millions of refugees crossed into Pakistan during the 1947 Partition, while nearly 250,000 people lost their lives during the migration. Moreover, he said Pakistan had always welcomed and supported Kashmiri refugees over the past 78 years. Criticism of JAAC Asif said political differences had emerged during elections over the decades, but claimed the issue of refugees had now been turned into a political campaign through the formation of the banned JAAC. Furthermore, he alleged that the group had pressured both the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government and the federal government to secure Rs25 billion, before challenging the relationship between Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Call for development The minister said both the governments of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir have a responsibility to improve living conditions in the affected areas. In addition, he called for immediate and effective measures to resolve public issues, particularly by improving drainage systems and ensuring the provision of other essential civic facilities. Post navigation Pakistan-Saudi Relations Ishaq Dar, Saudi Foreign Minister Discuss Regional Peace and Diplomacy
