Dr. Muhammad Yasin Rehman Proposes Structural Changes to Enhance Representation and Autonomy in AJK

LONDON, (Shahzad Ali) __ Dr. Muhammad Yasin Rehman, a PhD from Oxford University, has issued a compelling call for comprehensive political reforms in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), urging Islamabad to rethink its approach to governance, representation, and trust-building in the region.

In a detailed statement released this week, Dr. Rehman argued that AJK’s political framework has become increasingly outdated and no longer reflects the needs and aspirations of its people. He outlined a set of proposals aimed at strengthening democratic accountability, local governance, and diaspora engagement.

Reconsidering Reserved Seats

Central to Dr. Rehman’s proposal is the reallocation of the 12 legislative assembly seats currently reserved for Kashmiri immigrants living in Pakistan. He believes these seats should be transferred to Pakistan’s National Assembly, where Kashmiri Pakistanis could have a more significant role in national politics.

“The presence of these seats in the AJK Assembly dilutes the political voice of residents within the region,” said Dr. Rehman. “By moving them to the National Assembly, we could ensure more effective representation for Kashmiri immigrants while preserving the integrity of self-governance in Azad Kashmir.”

Currently, the AJK Legislative Assembly comprises 53 members: 45 general seats and 8 reserved seats—including five for women, one for Ulama, one for technocrats, and one for residents of Jammu & Kashmir. Dr. Rehman argues that the 12 seats reserved for non-resident Kashmiris distort internal representation and undermine the region’s political maturity.

Kashmir Affairs Minister Should Be Kashmiri

To enhance political inclusion and ownership, Dr. Rehman recommends that the Minister for Kashmir Affairs be appointed from among the Kashmiri representatives in Pakistan’s National Assembly—regardless of party affiliation.

“This would be a powerful symbol of trust and partnership,” he said. “It is time for the state to allow Kashmiris a direct role in shaping their own future, rather than keeping critical decisions in bureaucratic hands.”

Call for Devolution of Power

Dr. Rehman emphasized that political autonomy and administrative devolution are essential for the region’s long-term stability and prosperity. He urged the federal government to initiate a structured transfer of authority, allowing AJK to gain greater control over its internal affairs.

As part of this devolution, he advocated for the local appointment of senior officials, such as the Inspector General of Police and the Chief Secretary—positions currently filled by officials from Islamabad. He believes qualified individuals from within AJK should lead these institutions.

“This is not a matter of cost, but of political will,” he noted. “Such reforms would cost little yet significantly strengthen Pakistan’s credibility and its ties with Kashmir.”

Warning Against the Suppression of Grassroots Movements

Dr. Rehman also expressed concern over recent tensions involving the Awami Action Committee (AAC)—a coalition of Kashmiri civil society activists. He warned that any heavy-handed action against such grassroots movements would be deeply counterproductive.

“These groups represent the voice of ordinary Kashmiris,” he stated. “Suppressing them would damage public trust and strain the relationship between the people of AJK and the state of Pakistan.”

Harnessing the Power of the Diaspora

In a notable proposal, Dr. Rehman called for the formal political inclusion of the Kashmiri diaspora. He suggested reallocating the reserved seats to overseas Kashmiris, who would directly elect their representatives.

With an estimated 1.5 million Kashmiris living in the United Kingdom alone, and many more across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, Dr. Rehman believes the diaspora is a valuable national asset that remains underutilized.

He proposed a new distribution model for diaspora representation:

• 5 seats for the United Kingdom
• 3 seats for Europe
• 3 seats for the Middle East
• 1 seat for the United States

“These diaspora representatives can bring critical global perspectives and expertise into the legislative process,” he argued. “They are not only investors and philanthropists but also opinion leaders who can elevate AJK’s standing on the international stage.”

A Strategic Imperative for Pakistan

Dr. Rehman concluded his statement by emphasizing that now is the time for Pakistan to “build bridges, not barriers” with the people of Azad Kashmir. He characterized his proposed reforms not as radical, but as necessary steps to modernize AJK’s political system and strengthen national unity.

“The strength of Pakistan lies in its ability to trust and empower all its constituent regions,” he said. “A confident, autonomous, and democratically governed Azad Kashmir will serve as the most powerful response to the ongoing occupation.”