Muzaffarabad/Islamabad – A high-level government delegation has reached Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to hold talks with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in a bid to defuse the unrest that has paralysed the region.
However, following funeral prayers for those killed in the recent clashes, JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir set out conditions for resuming dialogue with the government. Although the federal delegation has already arrived in Muzaffarabad to begin negotiations, AAC leaders remain hesitant, with analysts suggesting the movement is drawing on public discontent while avoiding workable compromises.
The delegation, formed on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, includes Senator Rana Sanaullah, federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Sardar Yusuf, Engineer Amir Muqam, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Qamar Zaman Kaira, and former AJK president Masood Khan. The Prime Minister is expected to personally oversee the process upon his return.
The visit comes as strikes and protests have gripped AJK, leaving businesses closed and communication networks disrupted. Clashes between security forces and protesters have turned deadly. According to government figures, at least nine people were killed, six civilians and three policemen, while 172 police personnel and 50 civilians were injured. Among the slain policemen were Constable Khurshid and Constable Jameel from Bagh, and Constable Tahir Rafi from Muzaffarabad.
Authorities reported that armed JAAC members opened fire on police in Dhir Kot, while confrontations also broke out between protesters and ruling Muslim Conference supporters.
JAAC’s Demands
The JAAC has advanced a sweeping 38-point charter of demands. While some proposals address genuine social concerns, such as calls for free education, healthcare and judicial reforms, others appear more political, including the abolition of perks for ruling elites, scrapping of the 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees, and curbs on the size of the cabinet. The list also seeks an international airport, revisions to power tariffs above 5 KVA, regulation of mobile companies and legal cover for non-custom paid vehicles.
Government officials insist that nearly 98% of these demands had already been conceded in previous rounds of talks. Yet the stalemate persists, primarily over the reserved refugee seats and cabinet size, both of which require constitutional amendments. These unresolved issues have fuelled renewed agitation and hardened the standoff in AJK.
Government’s Response
In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz urged citizens to remain peaceful. “Peaceful protest is every citizen’s constitutional right, but violence must be avoided. The government is prepared to address all legitimate demands,” he said.
AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq echoed this appeal while expressing grief over the loss of life. “Provoking people through civilian groups leads only to anarchy and needless tragedy,” he warned.
The Ministry of Interior has convened meetings in Islamabad to consider steps to calm the situation. Meanwhile, the AJK administration has announced the reopening of tourist sites from October 4 in an attempt to signal stability.
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, speaking before departing for Muzaffarabad, said the government remained committed to addressing AJK’s concerns but cautioned that “some elements would want to disturb peace and stability in Pakistan to push forward their agendas.”
Way Forward
Authorities continue to stress dialogue as the only way forward. Both the federal and AJK governments have urged JAAC leaders to engage constructively while warning the public against misinformation circulating on social media. Security forces have pledged legal action against those involved in rioting or vandalism.
For now, the spotlight remains on Muzaffarabad, where the government’s negotiating team is working to bridge divides with JAAC and restore normalcy to the region.
