Fatihpur, (Parliament Times) : Minister for Rehabilitation of Azad Kashmir, Chaudhry Javed Iqbal Budhanvi, while addressing a press conference, said that the negotiation process with the Action Committee in the presence and support of federal ministers is a welcome development. He expressed hope that positive outcomes would emerge.
He clarified that these negotiations are taking place with the consent and consultation of their government. Government representatives have already met with the federal ministers involved in the talks. “We have never refused negotiations,” he said, “but according to the charter of demands, some issues and demands are beyond our jurisdiction — they fall under the responsibility of the federal government, and we have already taken up those matters with them. It’s not possible to resolve these issues immediately; it’s an ongoing process. Demands can not be enforced at gunpoint.”
“I want to dispel the misunderstanding that we are against the Action Committee. They are part of us. But the way they speak and refer to elected members of the assembly is not commendable. Forcing shop closures — what kind of wisdom is that? Our traders’ wing will open their shops, and we will provide them protection. If people try to intimidate us with threats, they should remember that such threats can go both ways. Whoever holds a weapon, owns it — and such talk is unacceptable.”
“Why is there only talk about ending legislative perks and pensions? Our salary is 45,000 rupees, and with all allowances, it comes to about 200,000 rupees. But we easily spend that much just serving tea. Considering the work we do and the level of running around involved, our salary should be 800,000 to 1 million rupees. Tax is already deducted from our salaries — how many others are actually paying taxes?”
He added, “The Pakistan Army is our asset. Being entrusted with the protection of the Holy Mosques is a great honor for Pakistan. The way Pakistan defeated India is seen by the whole world — thanks to nuclear weapons and missile technology, the credit for which goes to the Pakistan People’s Party.”
He praised the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir for handling matters effectively. “The Action Committee claims they reduced the prices of flour and electricity. If that’s true, then prices of other related essentials should have also come down — but the poor haven’t benefited.”
He said, “I used to visit the Action Committee’s protest camps as well. But when anti-state narratives gain momentum and Action Committee members start calling elected public representatives by derogatory names, how can we stay silent?”
“We make every effort to serve in line with public expectations, but even then, many issues remain outside our authority.”
The press conference was also attended by Sardar Waseem, Mujeeb, Khizra Iftikhar, Malik Ishaq, Malik Afzal, Munir Baig, former PRO Chaudhry Sahib Dad, Nasir Mehmood Qaseer Chaudhry, and others.