Srinagar, August 03: Former Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) leader and two-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Karnah constituency, Kafil-ur-Rehman, has joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Former Chief Minister and JKPDP President Mehbooba Mufti “warmly welcomed” him into the party, emphasizing his “vital role in amplifying the voice of Karnah’s residents and advancing the party’s vision for a united, dignified, and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.”
In a statement, an official spokesperson of the PDP said, “The Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) is proud to announce the induction of Kafil-ur-Rehman, a distinguished leader and two-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Karnah constituency, into its ranks.”
He added, “Kafil-ur-Rehman, a seasoned politician from Karnah in Kupwara district, has a notable record of public service. His political journey began with the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), where he won the Karnah Assembly constituency in the 2002 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections, securing his first term as MLA. He successfully contested again in the 2008 elections, defeating Ab Rehman Bhadana of the Jammu & Kashmir Awami National Conference (JKANC), and served a second term as MLA.”
JKPDP President Mehbooba Mufti stated, “Kafil-ur-Rehman’s decision to join JKPDP reflects our shared commitment to empowering the people of Jammu & Kashmir. His experience as a two-time MLA from Karnah and his dedication to public service will greatly strengthen our mission to address regional challenges and foster inclusive progress. We are honored to have him with us.”
Kafil-ur-Rehman expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and reaffirmed his commitment to JKPDP’s ideology of “Kashmir First” and inclusive development. “I am deeply honored to join JKPDP under the leadership of Ms. Mehbooba Mufti. My focus remains on serving the people of Karnah, advocating for their rights, and contributing to a prosperous and united Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.
Karnah, located in the Kupwara district, faces unique challenges due to its proximity to the Line of Control and its significant Pahari population. Kafil-ur-Rehman’s extensive experience as an MLA equips him to champion these issues within JKPDP’s framework, which emphasizes securing and restoring Jammu & Kashmir’s distinct position while fostering dialogue for the region’s political future, the statement added.
The statement further said, “The JKPDP remains steadfast in its commitment to building an inclusive platform that represents all communities across Jammu & Kashmir. Kafil-ur-Rehman’s inclusion as a seasoned leader and two-time MLA from Karnah brings renewed energy to the party’s efforts to create a brighter future for the region.”
