Sanaullah says amendment may bring AJK, GB into development plans

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said a constitutional amendment may be considered to bring Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan more fully into Pakistan's development process, amid speculation over possible constitutional changes.

Speaking to Geo News, in remarks reported by Minute Mirror, Sanaullah rejected reports that an existing constitutional amendment concerning AJK would be reversed, describing them as propaganda. He said the aim was to strengthen the regional government so that it could pursue development more effectively. He did not announce any specific amendment or provide details of a proposed legislative change.

He said discussions were taking place over resource distribution, including the National Finance Commission framework, and that a possible amendment could be considered to help include AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan more fully in the country's development initiatives.

Sanaullah acknowledged that political tensions sometimes emerge over particular issues. He noted that disagreements with the Pakistan Peoples Party had occurred during elections in AJK, but maintained that these political differences did not mean previously granted facilities or rights would be withdrawn.

He dismissed concerns raised by former AJK prime minister Raja Farooq Haider, saying they were based on a misunderstanding, and insisted there was no plan to take away the facilities already provided to the region.

On protests organised by the Public Action Committee, the adviser alleged that elements linked to terrorism had become involved in the demonstrations. He said the committee had changed from its original form, although he did not provide further details in the remarks reported.

Turning to relations with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Sanaullah described him as an experienced senior politician. He said the two sides had shared positive relations during the Pakistan Democratic Movement government and that efforts would continue to resolve disagreements through dialogue. He acknowledged that harsh remarks had been exchanged over issues involving the state and fallen security personnel, but said discussions could help address the differences.

The adviser further said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had invited opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai for a meeting. He stressed that the meeting should take place according to mutually agreed arrangements and urged Achakzai to fulfil his responsibilities as an opposition leader.

Sanaullah's comments come amid continuing debate over constitutional arrangements, financial resource-sharing and the role of AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan's broader development framework.