High-level govt delegation meets JAAC to discuss Azad Kashmir unrest

ISLAMABAD: A high-level government delegation met the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Muzaffarabad on Thursday to end the ongoing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry confirmed the start of the talks, posting on X: “A high-level delegation from Pakistan has started formal dialogue with representatives of the Joint Action Committee of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Muzaffarabad today.”

Protests had erupted after talks over elite privileges and refugee seats collapsed earlier this week, causing strikes, a communications blackout, and violence across the region. On Wednesday, AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and federal ministers invited JAAC for fresh dialogue.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed concern over the unrest and directed the negotiation committee to immediately travel to Muzaffarabad to find a lasting solution. The delegation included Rana Sanaullah, Ahsan Iqbal, Sardar Yousuf, Masood Khan, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Amir Muqam, and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.

Speaking to the media before leaving, Ahsan Iqbal said some “elements would want to disturb peace and stability in Pakistan to push forward their agendas.” He stressed that the government wanted to resolve AJK’s issues but also avoid giving space to “Pakistan’s enemies.”

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf added, “We all are saddened and concerned over the situation. We will try our best to fulfil the just demands of the people of Kashmir and steer them out of the current situation.”

Rana Sanaullah also stressed that “violence is not the solution” and hoped misunderstandings with JAAC would be resolved through talks.

Other delegation members, including Kaira, Amir Muqam, Yousuf, and Chaudhry, also called for dialogue to restore peace.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior held a meeting in Islamabad to consider additional steps.

PM Appeals for Calm

According to a statement from the PM’s Office, PM Shehbaz urged protesters to remain peaceful after three policemen were killed in violent clashes.

“The prime minister has made a strong appeal to citizens to remain peaceful. He has urged that peaceful protest is the constitutional and democratic right of every citizen, but protesters should refrain from causing harm to public order.”

He also directed law enforcement to show restraint, avoid unnecessary harshness, and respect public sentiments. The PM ordered a transparent inquiry into the violence and immediate help for families of the victims.

“The prime minister has appealed to the members and leadership of the JAAC to cooperate with the government’s negotiation committee,” the statement added.

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