- PM Haq, Tariq Fazal Ch urge resumption of talks, claiming 90pc of JAAC’s 38 demands accepted
- Say deadlock remains over refugee seats, cabinet size, appealing for peace and warning against fake news on social media
- Six civilians and three policemen killed, over 220 injured amid violent protests in AJK
- Neelum Bridge violence, Lal Chowk rallies escalate crisis as strikes paralyse AJK
ISLAMABAD/MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Wednesday urged the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to return to the negotiating table, asserting that 90 percent of its demands had already been accepted amid violent protests in the region that left six civilians and three police personnel dead, while more than 220 people—including 172 policemen—were injured.
According to an official statement issued by the AJK government, 12 police personnel remain in critical condition, and 50 civilians were also wounded amid the spiralling protests, which began as a peaceful movement but descended into violent confrontations. Authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid violence, and disregard false information circulating on social media.
While Indian Kashmir celebrates peace, education, and progress, #PoJK is burning with anger.
Thousands in Muzaffarabad demand basic necessities-electricity, water & schools.
Pakistan’s grip is brutal and failing. #FailedState #PAKvsIND
@The_Tradesman1 pic.twitter.com/oSo78mkPNH— Mahmud Saad (@MahmudSaad75232) October 1, 2025
At a joint press conference at Kashmir House in Islamabad, AJK PM Haq and Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry emphasized that dialogue was the only “civilized” way forward. “This is a request to start from where the talks broke down,” Haq said. “Whenever and wherever the JAAC wants to talk, the state government is ready—whether in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, or Mirpur.”
The unrest escalated after an attack in Dhir Kot early in the day, when armed JAAC activists allegedly opened fire on police, killing three officers—Constables Khurshid and Jameel of Bagh and Constable Tahir Rafi of Muzaffarabad—and injuring nine others. Families of the slain officers have demanded strict accountability for the attackers.
#AJKRightsmovement #29septmberlockdown #awamiactioncommittee #Kashmir#KashmirSeeksAttention pic.twitter.com/7EGQMLrXS3
— Waqar Younas (@WaqarYounas0411) October 1, 2025
Meanwhile, the AJK government confirmed that protests have resulted in significant disruption, including a three-day shutter-down strike and communications blackout, paralyzing life across major districts. Internet and cellular networks were suspended in large parts of Muzaffarabad and surrounding areas, while roads and markets remained closed.
PM Haq, while expressing grief over the killings of policemen and civilians, said that violent tactics were unacceptable. “There are nationalists and violent elements among you. Violence and brandishing sticks are not right in any way. Nothing will be achieved through chaos,” he remarked, also pointing out that even schools had been attacked, including one in Plak.
Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry insisted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was personally overseeing the situation and had made it his “duty” to resolve the crisis. “We accepted 90 percent of their demands, and federal ministers guaranteed implementation. An agreement was even drafted and amended according to JAAC’s satisfaction,” he said.
He clarified that only two points remain unresolved—abolition of 12 legislative seats reserved for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and a reduction in the number of ministers. “Both matters fall under the authority of the Legislative Assembly,” he explained.
In Azad Jammu & Kashmir, protesting civilians clashed with security forces. Reports say some Pakistan Army and Police officers were beaten during the protest. Tensions are running high. #AJK #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/2lWemTTx47
— Terror Intel (@Terror_Intel) October 1, 2025
The JAAC had earlier presented a 38-point charter of demands, including an end to perks for ruling elites, royalties for hydel power projects, and electoral reforms. While many of these have been accepted, the government maintains that the refugee seats are non-negotiable given their link to the Kashmir freedom movement.
آزاد کشمیر میں احتجاج کرنے والوں کا کوئی ایک ناجائز مطالبہ بتا دیں۔#AJK #Kashmir #AJKProtest pic.twitter.com/kDSimA4W0i
— Awais Hameed (@awais_hameed) September 29, 2025
Tensions worsened on Monday when rival protests clashed at Neelum Bridge in Muzaffarabad. Supporters of the Muslim Conference, staging an “Aman March,” confronted JAAC activists. Gunfire reportedly broke out, killing one protester, identified as Sudheer, and injuring four others. Viral footage showed armed men firing at demonstrators.
In response, JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir addressed a crowd of nearly 5,000 at Lal Chowk, denouncing the violence and accusing authorities of attempting to provoke “another May 9-style incident.” He vowed to continue protests until all demands were met, announcing a march with Sudheer’s body and further demonstrations.
Despite appeals from both the AJK and federal governments, the situation remains tense, with authorities deploying additional security forces across sensitive areas to prevent further bloodshed.
