Rawalakot: Renowned Pakistani journalist, analyst and former candidate for the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly constituency LA-20 Poonch–III, Dr Irfan Ashraf, was accorded a grand public reception upon his return from China after completing an international professional course.
Following his arrival, Dr Irfan Ashraf was welcomed in Rawalakot and later taken to his native constituency Poonch–III, Khai Gala, in a large convoy comprising dozens of vehicles. Thousands of people gathered along the route and at Khai Gala to greet him enthusiastically, reflecting strong public support and admiration.
Workers and office-bearers of the Haq Do Tehreek from across the constituency, including Pukhar, Khai Gala, Ban Baik, Ali Sojal, Parkot and surrounding areas, participated in the reception and extended a warm welcome to Dr Irfan Ashraf. The event turned into a major public gathering, highlighting his growing political and social influence in the region.
Addressing the reception, Dr Irfan Ashraf said that the time had come to defeat entrenched mafias and reject hereditary politics. He categorically stated that dynastic control over the constituency would not be accepted under any circumstances. He lamented that constituency Poonch–III remained backward, with longstanding issues in education, healthcare and road infrastructure still unresolved.
Referring to the political history of the area, he said that the practice of passing power from father to daughter and now to son had failed to deliver development, and the people were no longer willing to tolerate this system. He asserted that genuine public representation and merit-based leadership were the only way forward for the constituency.
Dr Irfan Ashraf also expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for selecting him for the international course held in China, despite his belonging to a remote and underdeveloped region. He termed his selection and top position in the course as a result of public prayers, goodwill and collective support of the people.
The reception concluded amid slogans, expressions of solidarity and renewed commitment by supporters to continue the struggle for rights, transparency and development in the region.