Islamabad : The Senate Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and States and Frontier Regions, presided over by Senator Asad Qasim, convened today at the Parliament House. The Committee noted with concern the absence of the Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan, emphasizing that the participation of senior officials is vital to ensure effective parliamentary deliberations and meaningful decision-making. The Committee decided to defer the agenda pertaining to Gilgit-Baltistan and directed that the presence of senior officers from Gilgit-Baltistan be ensured at future meetings.
The Committee was briefed on monsoon-induced damages, relief operations, and tourism-related challenges in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The Secretary of SDMA AJK informed the Committee that, since June 26, AJK has experienced nine spells of monsoon rains following a cloudburst in May. These disasters resulted in the loss of 28 lives, damage to over 2,100 houses, and widespread destruction of public infrastructure, including roads, water supply systems, schools, and electricity networks.
The Committee Chairman inquired about the accuracy of the data, stressing that incomplete surveys and underreporting undermine public trust.
The Committee voiced serious concern over the lack of preparedness and failure to act on early warnings issued by the NDMA. Chairman Asad Qasim observed that despite alerts, tourists were not restricted from entering vulnerable areas, which is the responsibility of the local administration. The Chairman also noted the lack of early warning systems, particularly in disaster-prone areas. He suggested installing early warning systems at 100-kilometer intervals across AJK.
On financial matters, the Chairman questioned the monitoring of relief funds, including the Rs. 3 billion provided by the ECC, highlighting concerns over transparency. He suggested an ad hoc oversight mechanism comprising parliamentarians, the judiciary, and other stakeholders to ensure proper utilization of the funds.
Regarding communication infrastructure, members noted that private operators fail to provide services in remote areas, leaving the SCO as the only functioning network during calamities. The Committee recommended that the Universal Services Fund be used to expand coverage, particularly in tourist zones, as required by law.
The Committee was also briefed on the role and scope of the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees (CCAR). The Chief Commissioner of CCAR briefed the Committee on the current status of Afghan refugees. The Committee was informed that, as per the government’s decision, the status of Afghan refugees has changed to “Aliens” after the expiry of the last date for voluntary repatriation. It was noted that in October 2023, the government of Pakistan announced the “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan,” requiring all undocumented migrants to leave the country, under a three-phase regime:
Phase I: This phase began in October 2023 to return or deport all illegal foreigners.
Phase II: This started on 1st April 2025 to deport illegal foreigners along with ACC holders. Since then, about 48,000 ACC holders have been deported to date.
Phase III: This phase will be implemented from 1st September 2025 to deport Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (POR) cards.
The CCAR added that approximately 300,000 Afghans have voluntarily returned, with Sindh hosting nearly 80,000 and significant numbers residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Members observed that undocumented refugees remain undercounted, while international funding has largely dried up.
On cooperation with the UNHCR, officials noted that agreements last revised in 2009 have expired, limiting current arrangements to humanitarian support. The Chairman raised concerns over the utilization of donor funds and stressed the need for transparency and accountability.
The Committee also sought clarity on the ownership of 54 refugee camps and associated land assets.
In conclusion, the Committee called for a revised and coordinated refugee policy that balances humanitarian obligations with national security needs. Chairman Asad Qasim underlined: “You know the numbers, you know the funds received, now we must ensure accountability, inter-ministerial cooperation, and clarity on the way forward.”
The meeting ended with directions to summon the Chief Secretary and all relevant provincial authorities in the next sitting for a consolidated discussion on flood damages in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Senators Faisal Saleem Rehman, Atta ul Haq, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, and senior officials from the concerned departments attended the meeting.