ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN—A high-level federal government delegation successfully signed an agreement with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on Saturday, bringing an end to days of widespread unrest and violence in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif immediately welcomed the development, asserting that “all issues have been resolved amicably.”
The agreement follows two crucial rounds of talks after negotiations between the JAAC, the AJK government, and federal ministers previously broke down last week over core demands, notably the abolition of elite privileges and the reserved seats for Pakistan-based refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir. The political stalemate had quickly devolved into fierce clashes between protesters and law enforcement, resulting in at least 10 deaths and numerous critical injuries.
A day before the pact, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) had expressed deep alarm over the violence, specifically condemning the “use of excessive force” and the ongoing communications blackout.
Details of the Agreement and Compensation
Announcing the breakthrough in the early hours of Saturday, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, who was part of the negotiating team, confirmed that a “final agreement” had been signed, protesters were returning home, and all roads had reopened. He called the resolution a “victory of peace.”
A copy of the pact shared by Chaudhry detailed significant concessions. It mandates that FIRs will be registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) for “incidents of violence and vandalism resulting into deaths of personnel belonging to LEAs (law enforcement agencies) and protestors,” with a judicial commission appointed where necessary.
Crucially, the pact stipulates that persons killed in the incidents of October 1 and 2, 2025, shall receive monetary compensation equivalent to that given to LEAs (Law Enforcement Agencies). Furthermore, gunshot injury victims will receive Rs1 million per person, and a government job will be granted to one family member of each deceased person within 20 days.
Political Framing of the Resolution
In his statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that “all conspiracies and rumours now stand buried,” adding that the “restoration of peace and normalcy is a good gesture.” He appealed to the Kashmiri people to disregard rumours, assuring them that the government had and would continue to protect their rights.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, another member of the negotiating team, hailed the outcome on X, writing: “Pakistan, AJK and democracy wins.” He praised the process, stating that the nation had successfully resolved a stand-off that arose from “legitimate public concerns.” Iqbal emphasized the government’s approach: “Instead of confrontation, we chose consultation. Instead of egos, we chose empathy.” The final agreement underscores a commitment to good governance and development in AJK.
