The Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and States and Frontier Regions on Monday criticized the government’s disaster preparedness and demanded accountability for relief funds and a clear refugee policy. Senator Asad Qasim, the committee’s chair, expressed serious concerns over the lack of readiness despite warnings from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The committee postponed discussions regarding Gilgit-Baltistan due to the Chief Secretary’s absence, demanding the presence of senior provincial officials in the upcoming session.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) AJK Secretary briefed the committee about the impact of nine monsoon rain events and a cloudburst since May, resulting in 28 fatalities, damage to over 2,100 homes, and widespread infrastructure destruction in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Senator Qasim questioned the damage assessments’ precision and criticized the administration for not preventing tourists from entering at-risk zones, despite NDMA cautions. He advocated for early warning systems every 100 kilometers across AJK.
He also raised transparency issues regarding the use of Rs. 3 billion in relief funds and proposed an oversight body involving parliamentarians, the judiciary, and other parties for better monitoring. The committee also addressed communication failures during emergencies, recommending using the Universal Services Fund to enhance telecom coverage, particularly in tourist spots.
The Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees (CCAR) Chief Commissioner informed the committee about the change in Afghan refugees’ status to ‘Aliens’ after the voluntary repatriation deadline expired. He outlined Pakistan’s three-phase ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan,” starting with undocumented foreigners in October 2023, followed by ACC holders in April 2025 (with 48,000 deported), and now targeting POR card holders from September 1, 2025.
While around 300,000 Afghans have reportedly returned voluntarily, mostly residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh, senators highlighted the undercounting of undocumented refugees and the decrease in donor funding.
Senator Qasim requested clarification on the ownership of 54 refugee camps and related properties, emphasizing the need for a revised, transparent refugee policy that balances humanitarian responsibilities with national security. He stressed accountability, inter-ministerial collaboration, and a clear future strategy.
The meeting concluded with instructions to summon the Chief Secretary and relevant provincial officials for the next session to discuss flood damage in Gilgit-Baltistan. Senators Faisal Saleem Rehman, Atta ul Haq, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, and other senior officials were present.