ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN
Pakistan’s federal government dispatched a high-level delegation to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Thursday to commence formal negotiations with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), in a critical effort to resolve the widespread unrest that has paralysed the territory.
The decision follows a directive from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who expressed deep concern over the law and order situation, particularly after violent protests led to the deaths of at least three policemen. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) urged citizens to remain peaceful and called on law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint, emphasizing that “respect for public sentiments must be ensured.”
Security and Political Concerns
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry announced the commencement of talks in the AJK capital, Muzaffarabad. The expanded negotiation committee includes powerful political figures such as Senator Rana Sanaullah, Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Amir Muqam, and PPP leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Qamar Zaman Kaira.
Speaking to the media before departure, committee members stressed the sensitive nature of the crisis. Ahsan Iqbal warned that the instability could be exploited by external forces.
“Given the present situation in the region and the world, some elements would want to disturb peace and stability in Pakistan to push forward their agendas,” Iqbal said, urging the people of AJK to be mindful that no situation is created of which “Pakistan’s enemies” could take advantage.
Focus on Dialogue to End Impasse
The unrest stems from the breakdown of previous talks over the JAAC’s core demands, which centre on subsidies for wheat flour and electricity and the abolition of privileges for the AJK’s elite class. The failure of negotiations had triggered a communications blackout and a comprehensive shutter-down strike across the territory.
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf adopted a conciliatory tone, assuring that the delegation would try its best to fulfill the “just demands of the people of Kashmir.” He acknowledged the JAAC as “very honourable and respected people,” emphasizing that “They are a part of our body and their pain is our pain.”
Rana Sanaullah echoed the sentiment, stating that “violence is not the solution” and expressing confidence that sitting with their “friend of the Joint Awami Action Committee” would resolve all misunderstandings in accordance with the law and Constitution.
AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq thanked PM Sharif for sending the delegation and urged the JAAC members to cooperate in ending the impasse. Meanwhile, the PMO stated that the premier has ordered a transparent investigation into the unfortunate incidents during the protests and directed immediate assistance to the affected families.
