Pakistan, June 25 -- Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman strongly criticized Defence Minister Khawaja Asif over his remarks regarding the residents of Rawalakot in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Both leaders said the comments could further inflame tensions in the region. The Rawalakot remarks controversy sparked heated debate in the National Assembly.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Fazlur Rehman urged the government to exercise patience and restraint. He said Khawaja Asif's comments were not appropriate for a defence minister and would only worsen the situation. He also called on the government to review the Awami Action Committee's...