Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif voiced concern over the escalating unrest in Azad Kashmir and instructed authorities to ensure a transparent investigation into the recent violence. He also directed immediate support for families affected by the protests.
The premier emphasized that peaceful protest is a democratic right but urged demonstrators to avoid disrupting public order. He reiterated the government’s willingness to address the concerns of Kashmiri citizens through dialogue.
The unrest, spearheaded by the Joint Public Action Committee, entered its fourth day. Clashes in Chamiati on Wednesday left three policemen dead and 150 injured, while the committee claimed two protesters were also killed.
To address the crisis, PM Sharif expanded the government’s negotiation team to include Senator Rana Sanaullah, ministers Sardar Yousaf and Ahsan Iqbal, former AJK president Masood Khan, and Qamar Zaman Kaira. The committee was tasked with traveling to Muzaffarabad to work on long-term solutions.
The Joint Public Action Committee has called on international human rights bodies and media to intervene, citing excessive force, restrictions on freedoms, and shortages of essential goods. Committee member Sardar Umar Nazir Kashmiri welcomed talks but demanded an end to the communication blackout before meaningful dialogue could proceed. Their demands include ending elite privileges, abolishing 12 migrant seats, ensuring free healthcare and education, and introducing judicial reforms.
Meanwhile, AJK Prime Minister Choudhary Anwar-ul-Haq and Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry urged non-violence and dialogue, noting that while several demands had been addressed in earlier talks, some remain unresolved due to constitutional constraints.
Read more: Police Assaulted Amid Azad Kashmir Protests; Prime Minister Orders Inquiry
