High-level delegation engages AJK action committee as unrest grips region

• PM expresses concern over unfortunate incidents in AJK.
• Premier includes more ministers in negotiation committee. 
• Shehbaz appeals AJK protesters to remain peaceful.
  

In line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives, a high-level government delegation on Thursday held talks with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir to address its grievances.

The development came a day after three policemen among nine people were killed during the deadly protests in the AJK.

The government’s delegation includes Senator Rana Sanaullah, federal ministers Sardar Yusuf, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and Ahsan Iqbal, former president of AJK Masood Khan, and PPP’s Qamar Zaman Kaira.

Speaking to journalists, following their meeting with the JAAC, federal minister Muqam said there was consensus on many issues.

“Talks were held in a cordial atmosphere,” he added.

The government’s committee member Iqbal was of the view that they wanted peace in the AJK. He warned that the enemies of the country does not hesitate to take advantage of instability.

PPP leader Kaira said the prime minister was personally looking into the matter.

Earlier in the day, Sanaullah said: “We have come here to listen to the demands of the friends of the action committee.”

He maintained that the premier had instructed to discuss the “legitimate demands” with the action committee.

“The Prime Minister has instructed [us] to sit together and find solutions to the problems,” the senator added.

Earlier, expressing deep concern over the unfortunate incidents during the protests in the AJK, PM Shehbaz ordered a transparent probe into the matter and directed the provision of immediate assistance to the affected families.

In a statement, the prime minister said that peaceful protest was a constitutional and democratic right of every citizen, but the protesters should refrain from harming public order.

“Government is always ready to resolve the issues of its Kashmiri brothers,” he assured.

The AJK government, in a statement, said that nearly 172 police personnel were injured in the protests, with the condition of 12 reported as critical. Around 50 civilians also sustained injuries amid the violent demonstrations.

The PAC has issued a 38-point charter of demands, including ending 12 reserved seats for refugees and rolling back “privileges of the elite”, The News reported.

Taking notice of the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appealed to the protesters to remain peaceful, assuring the resolution of their issues and committing to personally overseeing the negotiation process.

He directed the law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and patience with the protesters, ensuring respect for public sentiments and avoiding any unnecessary harshness.

Premier Shehbaz also expanded the negotiation committee to find a peaceful resolution to the issue and included federal ministers Sardar Yusuf and Ahsan Iqbal, Senator Rana Sanaullah, former AJK president Masood Khan, and Qamar Zaman Kaira in the body.

He instructed the negotiation committee to immediately travel to Muzaffarabad and find an immediate and lasting solution to the issues.

The premier also announced that he would personally oversee the negotiation process upon his return to the country.

The prime minister also appealed to the members and leadership of the Action Committee to cooperate with the government’s negotiation committee, which would submit its recommendations and proposed solutions to the Prime Minister’s Office without delay for immediate resolution of the issues.

'90% demands already accepted'

In a video message released before leaving for Muzaffarabad, the negotiation committee leaders stressed that most of the demands raised by the Awami Action Committee have already been accepted, while the remaining issues will be discussed through negotiations.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the federal government will listen to the committee’s demands on the prime minister’s directive.

He warned that certain elements were attempting to undermine Pakistan’s peace and stability, urging restraint and constructive engagement.

AJK Prime Minister said the negotiation process was being resumed, adding that most of the committee’s demands had been met and the rest would be addressed through further talks.

Former NA speaker and PPP leader also expressed concern over the situation, saying he was deeply saddened by recent incidents and stressed that problems could only be resolved through dialogue.

“We are trying to restore normalcy as soon as possible,” he added.

A day earlier, federal minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry offered negotiations to the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) amid ongoing protests.

"90% of demands have already been accepted […] federal ministers stand as guarantors to ensure implementation of these demands," he had said while addressing a press conference along with AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq.

He explained that two demands required constitutional amendments in Azad Kashmir, including abolishing seats reserved for refugees in the Legislative Assembly and reducing the number of ministers.

Chaudhry argued that there was no need for protest in Azad Kashmir, as the majority of the demands had already been met. He slammed the action committee for taking the protest into a dead end, warning that protests would not deliver results nor provide a solution.

Meanwhile, AJK Premier Haq also renewed the government’s invitation to talks, saying 90% of demands had been resolved and the remaining could also be discussed. He stressed that negotiations were the only civilised way to resolve disputes and insisted there was no benefit to continuing protests.

The prime minister added that the government was ready to resume talks from the point where they had stalled, and cabinet members were present in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot for the purpose.