Formal negotiations resumed on Thursday between the federal government and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), following days of violent protests that left multiple casualties on both sides.
A high-level federal delegation, comprising ministers and senior leaders, held talks with JAAC representatives in Muzaffarabad to defuse tensions.
Federal Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry confirmed in a statement on X that official talks had begun, stressing the government’s commitment to strengthening the democratic process in AJK.
“We are making every effort to resolve matters peacefully because violence is never the solution,” he said.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal told reporters that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had directed the delegation to hear JAAC’s demands and assess the situation on the ground.
He appealed to the people of AJK to remain cautious and not allow Pakistan’s adversaries to exploit the unrest.
AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq welcomed the resumption of talks, saying most of the JAAC’s demands had already been accepted, with discussions continuing on the rest.
National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf called the situation “deeply saddening” and urged dialogue as the only way forward.
“The committee’s legitimate demands will be fulfilled,” he said.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also stressed that “violence only complicates issues rather than solving them,” while Adviser Amir Muqam expressed hope that the JAAC would engage in the talks with sincerity.
Former federal minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf echoed these sentiments, expressing regret over the loss of lives and assuring practical steps for public welfare.
Federal Adviser Qamar Zaman Kaira praised the Prime Minister’s initiative, noting that “the solution to all problems lies in dialogue.”
PM Shehbaz expressed “deep concern” over the wave of distrust and violence in AJK, ordering immediate and concrete measures from the government and administration.
He stressed that peaceful protest is a constitutional right but urged demonstrators not to harm public order.
He also instructed law enforcement to exercise restraint and respect public sentiment.
PM Sharif also ordered relief for affected families and directed a transparent, impartial inquiry to identify those responsible for the violence.
To expedite the process, he expanded the negotiating committee to include Rana Sanaullah, Sardar Yousaf, Ahsan Iqbal, former AJK president Masood Khan, and Qamar Zaman Kaira.
The prime minister instructed the committee to immediately travel to Muzaffarabad, review the situation, and submit recommendations without delay so corrective measures could be taken promptly.
He assured Kashmiris that the federal government is committed to resolving their issues and would personally oversee the talks, with the PM Office remaining alert even after his return from abroad.
He further directed that “unnecessary force or coercion must be avoided” and that public grievances must be heard and addressed with full respect.
Clashes between protesters and police escalated on Wednesday, with the BBC reporting that three policemen were killed and nearly 150 were injured, eight critically.
AJK Prime Minister Anwarul Haq confirmed the figures, while JAAC claimed that two protesters had also lost their lives and several others were wounded.
Discrepancies in casualty figures persisted, as local officials and medical sources were unable to provide final numbers.
JAAC’s demands include ending perks for ruling elites, abolishing reserved assembly seats for refugees, free healthcare and education, establishing an international airport, reforms in the quota and judicial systems, and overall governance reforms.
JAAC leaders maintain their movement is constitutional, democratic, and peaceful, though they acknowledged the disruptions caused by road blockades and protest activities.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and local officials reiterated that no goals can be achieved through violence, and only meaningful negotiations can resolve the crisis.
He noted that while many demands have been accepted, others requiring constitutional or legal adjustments will need to follow due process.
Local political leaders and JAAC members welcomed the prime minister’s offer of dialogue but urged an end to the communications blackout to ensure transparency and effectiveness in talks.
JAAC leader Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri said, “For meaningful negotiations, there must be full transparency in communication and information.”
Amid expanded talks and renewed assurances from Islamabad, the government expressed optimism that order can be restored quickly and a concrete roadmap developed to meet legitimate public demands.
Officials emphasised that any issues requiring legal or constitutional solutions will be resolved strictly within the framework of law, with prompt implementation of agreed recommendations.
