National ( The cow news digital ) Pakistan’s Political Affairs Advisor, Senator Rana Sanaullah, has stated that the banned Awami Action Committee (APC) had demanded the removal of references to Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan from official oaths. Addressing the Senate, Sanaullah clarified that the APC is not affiliated with any political party and has no plans to participate in elections.
He explained that the APC first emerged in 2023 and had staged protests in Muzaffarabad, demanding subsidies on wheat and reduced electricity production costs. The federal and provincial governments reportedly provided a financial package of PKR 30 billion, including PKR 10 billion for electricity projects. Sanaullah highlighted that electricity in Azad Kashmir is being provided at PKR 3 per unit, compared to PKR 48 per unit in the rest of the country. Despite these concessions, the APC reportedly submitted 38 additional demands, exceeding the initial requests.
Sanaullah mentioned that recent negotiations with the committee addressed 37 of their demands in writing. One demand involved the abolition of reserved seats for migrants and limiting their political representation. He stated that administrative authorities cannot unilaterally eliminate such seats or restrict voting rights for migrants. When the committee proposed new measures to satisfy local populations, the government reviewed them within legal frameworks.
He also stated that the APC issued an ultimatum for a long march on June 9, which Sanaullah described as politically motivated to disrupt upcoming elections scheduled before August 4. The APC reportedly insisted that references to Kashmir’s accession be removed from oaths, suggesting instead that a referendum address the issue, which the authorities did not accept. The committee also rejected the involvement of political parties and refused to send the matter to the legislative assembly.
Sanaullah emphasized that law enforcement agencies are fulfilling their responsibilities amid protests and clashes. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the protection of Azad Kashmir, calling it the country’s “lifeline,” and highlighted the historical sacrifices made by Pakistanis for the region’s freedom. He warned that any disruptive actions, including those influenced by foreign actors, will be dealt with according to the law.
The advisor also drew attention to the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, where voter turnout reportedly reached 65 percent. He noted that the process was peaceful, transparent, and free of major incidents, receiving international acknowledgment for the conduct of the polls.
