PM hails return to peace after govt, JAAC strike landmark deal to end days of AJK unrest

• PM Shehbaz says Centre ready to address Kashmiri concerns.
• Govt thanks JAAC for cooperation but regrets loss lives in unrest.
• Ahsan Iqbal calls deal win for Pakistan, AJK, and democracy.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday welcomed the successful outcome of the negotiations between the government and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), calling the restoration of peace and return to normalcy a positive development. 

After carefully vetting the draft agreement, the government’s negotiation committee and JAAC reached a deal that ended days of tension, which had sparked violent riots in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

The premier praised the efforts of the government’s negotiation committee, commending its members for their dedication and hard work in resolving the crisis through dialogue.

"The government stands fully prepared to address the issues faced by our Kashmiri brothers," the prime minister said. 

"Public interest and peace are our top priorities, and we will continue to serve the people of Azad Kashmir with full commitment.

"We have always been and will continue to be staunch defenders of the rights of our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. The concerns of Azad Kashmir have always remained a key focus for our government," he added. 

Talks between JAAC, the AJK government, and federal ministers over special privileges and refugee seats had collapsed last week.

What began as a largely peaceful movement in AJK spiraled into unrest, with rival groups staging protests and accusing each other of inciting violence.

Deadly clashes between demonstrators and security forces left at least 10 people dead and dozens seriously injured.

A new round of negotiations took place on Thursday between a senior government team and a civil society alliance, followed by another meeting on Friday.

Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, a member of the prime minister’s team, confirmed the delegation had signed the final agreement with JAAC.

While in Muzaffarabad with the federal team, Chaudhry posted on X that the two parties had resolved their differences, calling the deal “a victory for peace.” He added that protesters were now returning home and all roads had been reopened.

Federal Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal also welcomed the development, describing it as a win for Pakistan, Azad Kashmir and democracy.

He took to X and said, “The people of Azad Jammu & Kashmir have always stood at the frontlines of Pakistan’s national cause, and their voice carries immense weight.”

“Over the past weeks, we saw a difficult situation emerge due to legitimate public concerns,” he added. 

“It was the wisdom of local and national leadership and the spirit of dialogue that enabled us to resolve this stand-off peacefully, without violence, without division, and with mutual respect.”

Iqbal emphasised that the resolution was not a victory of one side over the other. “It is a victory of the people of AJK, Pakistan & Democracy. It shows that when the government listens, and when the people engage constructively, we can find solutions together.”

He praised the role of the Joint Action Committee, saying, “The Joint Action Committee raised the voice of citizens, and the government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took these voices seriously.

Instead of confrontation, we chose consultation. Instead of egos, we chose empathy.”

The minister concluded, “We commit to work together for good governance and development in AJK.”

Adviser to the Prime Minister, Rana Sanaullah, speaking to the media, thanked the JAAC for participating in the discussions and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives on both sides during the recent unrest.

Sanaullah added that all the legitimate demands of the JAAC had been accepted, marking a step toward resolving the crisis peacefully.

Key points of the agreement between the federal ministers’ committee and the JAAC:

• Cases under anti-terrorism laws will be filed for deaths in violent incidents.
• Compensation will be given to the families of those who died on 1st and 2nd October.
• Families of protesters will receive the same compensation as the families of officials.
• Injured individuals will receive Rs 1 million each.
• One member of the family of a deceased protester will be given a 20-day government job.
• Two additional Secondary Education Boards will be established in Muzaffarabad and Poonch within 30 days.
• All three AJK Secondary Boards will be linked with the Federal Board.
• The existing Local Government Act will be restored within 90 days in accordance with judicial rulings.
• AJK government will release funds for the health card within 15 days.
• MRI and CT scan machines will be provided in all districts of AJK with federal funding.
• Pakistan government will provide Rs10 billion to improve the electricity system in AJK.
• The size of the AJK cabinet will be reduced to 20 ministers and advisers.
• The number of administrative secretaries will not exceed 20.
• Civil defence departments will be merged into the SDMA.
• The Accountability Bureau and Anti-Corruption Establishment will be merged.
• AJK’s Accountability Act will be aligned with Pakistan’s NAB laws.
• Feasibility reports for two tunnels in AJK will be prepared by the Pakistan government.
• The project will be prioritised under the Saudi Development Fund as per PC-1 guidelines.
• A high-powered committee of legal and constitutional experts will be formed.
• The committee will consult on members selected from outside AJK.
• Until the committee submits its final report, the privileges of these members will remain suspended.
• Funding, ministry status, and other perks for these members will remain on hold until the final report is submitted.