- PM assures transparent probe, immediate relief, and expands team for urgent negotiations to end AJK crisis
- Govt delegation starts formal talks with JAAC representatives in Muzaffarabad, Tariq Fazal Ch posted on X
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced that he would personally oversee negotiations between the government’s committee and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) upon his return, urging protesters to remain peaceful and assuring them that their issues would be resolved without delay.
The premier expressed deep concern over recent violence in AJK, reiterating that while peaceful protest was a constitutional and democratic right, no one should resort to actions that disrupt public peace or create instability. He directed law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and patience, stressing that public sentiments must be respected and unnecessary harshness avoided.
وزیر اعظم پاکستان شہباز شریف نے آزاد کشمیر کی صورتحال پر گہری تشویش کا اظہار کیا۔
وزیر اعظم نے شہریوں سے پُر امن رہنے کی زوردار اپیل کی ہے۔ وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ پرامن احتجاج ہر شہری کا آئینی و جمہوری حق ہے تاہم مظاہرین امن عامہ کو نقصان پہنچانے سے گریز کریں ۔
وزیراعظم نے ہدایت…
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) October 2, 2025
PM Shehbaz also ordered a transparent inquiry into the incidents of unrest and immediate assistance for the affected families. He underlined that the government was committed to addressing the grievances of its Kashmiri brothers and urged the JAAC to cooperate with the dialogue process.
Expanded Committee
To strengthen efforts for reconciliation, the prime minister announced the expansion of the government’s negotiation committee, which now includes federal ministers Sardar Muhammad Yusuf and Ahsan Iqbal, Senator Rana Sanaullah, former AJK president Masood Khan, and Qamar Zaman Kaira. The body was instructed to proceed to Muzaffarabad without delay to find an “immediate and lasting solution.”
The premier said he would personally monitor the process upon his return and called on JAAC leaders to extend full cooperation. He stressed that the committee’s recommendations and proposed solutions must be submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office at the earliest for prompt action.
Talks Begin in Muzaffarabad
Later in the day, a high-level federal delegation reached Muzaffarabad and began formal dialogue with JAAC representatives in an effort to end the unrest that has paralysed AJK for three consecutive days.
“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,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry posted on X as the talks commenced.
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. pic.twitter.com/gcKdFoYKNL
— Dr. Tariq Fazal Ch. (@DrTariqFazal) October 2, 2025
The protests erupted after earlier negotiations collapsed over demands relating to elite privileges and reserved refugee seats in the AJK assembly. The breakdown triggered widespread strikes, a communications blackout, and violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement agencies.
On Wednesday, AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, along with federal ministers, invited the JAAC for fresh dialogue, paving the way for Thursday’s breakthrough in restarting talks.
Government’s Position
Before departing for Muzaffarabad, members of the committee addressed the media in Islamabad. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal stressed that the government was determined to resolve the people’s grievances but warned that “elements hostile to Pakistan” could exploit instability in the region.
“We must remain mindful that no such situation is created that Pakistan’s enemies could use to their advantage,” he said, urging protesters to remain peaceful while the government addressed their legitimate concerns.
Senator Rana Sanaullah echoed these views, stating that “violence is not the solution to any problem.” He emphasized that matters would be resolved in accordance with law and the Constitution while ensuring peace and stability in AJK.
PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said the government was saddened by the loss of lives and was committed to fulfilling the “just demands of the Kashmiri people.” He reminded both sides that unrest only served those working against Pakistan and Kashmir’s interests. “They are a part of our body. Their pain is our pain, their difficulties are our difficulties,” he added.
Federal Minister Amir Muqam also thanked PM Shehbaz for stepping in to address the issue, expressing hope that JAAC would engage constructively in the dialogue process.
AJK Leadership and PPP’s Support
AJK Prime Minister Haq welcomed the premier’s decision to dispatch a high-level delegation, saying the step had raised hopes of breaking the deadlock. He urged JAAC members to reciprocate in the same spirit for the sake of peace.
PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman also welcomed the government’s initiative, saying dialogue was the “only viable option” for resolving the matter. She urged JAAC leaders to demonstrate flexibility, reminding both sides that the welfare of the Kashmiri people and preservation of peace must remain the top priority.
“A swift and peaceful resolution is in the best interest of everyone,” she stressed.
Interior Ministry Review
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior convened a high-level meeting in Islamabad to consider additional measures for defusing the crisis. Officials emphasized that dialogue and restraint were the way forward to prevent further escalation.
Call for Calm
Reiterating his stance, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the government was ready to resolve all legitimate issues faced by the people of AJK but cautioned that no one should create conditions that could destabilize the country. “Our Kashmiri brothers’ difficulties are our difficulties,” he said, pledging that the government would act swiftly and decisively to end the unrest.
