Bilawal Bhutto Demands Apology From Khawaja Asif Over Kashmir Remarks

Updated: 7:33 AM PKT — June 25, 2026

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Wednesday joined the criticism against Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, telling the National Assembly that the minister’s remarks questioning the identity of Rawalakot residents were inappropriate and risked worsening an already volatile situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The controversy comes amid ongoing protests in AJK, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), over disputed legislative seats for refugees. Maulana Rehman stated that inflammatory political statements were undermining efforts toward dialogue. He informed the House that he had forwarded a communication from the JAAC to the government but had not received a response.

Also speaking in the assembly, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari reiterated his demand for an apology, accusing the minister of adding “fuel to the fire.” He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to control his cabinet members and allow Maulana Rehman to play a mediating role in the crisis.

Updated: 6:28 AM PKT — June 25, 2026

In a speech on the floor of the National Assembly, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari publicly reiterated his demand for an apology from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif regarding the minister’s recent remarks on Kashmir.

Updated: 3:15 AM PKT — June 25, 2026

Political commentator Hassan Ayub has also weighed in on the controversy surrounding Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s recent statement on Kashmir, available reports show.

Updated: 2:43 AM PKT — June 25, 2026

Political commentator Chaudhry Ghulam has also reacted to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s recent statement regarding Kashmir, available reports show.

Updated: 1:35 AM PKT — June 25, 2026

Pakistan Peoples Party leader Qamar Zaman Kaira has described Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s recent remarks on Kashmiris as “irresponsible.” This adds to the criticism from other political figures over the minister’s comments.

Updated: 1:01 AM PKT — June 25, 2026

Amid the ongoing political friction between the Pakistan Peoples Party and the PML-N, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has reportedly put forward a proposal, according to an update on June 24.

Updated: 12:28 AM PKT — June 25, 2026

Available reports on June 24 suggest that discussions for a potential nuclear deal between the United States and Iran are taking place in Switzerland. This development comes as Iran maintains its position that it will not allow new nuclear inspections until a final agreement is reached.

The controversy over Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s remarks on Kashmir continued in the National Assembly on Wednesday, leading to a heated exchange on the floor of the house between the minister and former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.