Muzaffarabad – Public protests continue across Muzaffarabad and several other areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and in this context, dialogue has begun between the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and the government. In the talks held in Muzaffarabad, the JAAC delegation was led by Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Advocate Amjad Ali Khan, and central member Anjum Zaman Awan. On the government’s side, the delegation includes National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Rana Sanaullah, and other leaders. The government team arrived in Muzaffarabad by helicopter to directly engage with JAAC leaders and seek a solution to the ongoing crisis.
During the negotiations, the JAAC presented several key demands before the government delegation. The foremost demand is the immediate withdrawal of forces from AJK and their transfer to Islamabad. The committee emphasized that the presence of forces is fueling public unrest, and their removal would help restore calm. Another critical demand is the registration of FIRs against the AJK Prime Minister, the Interior Minister, and other government officials and staff, whom the JAAC holds responsible for the deaths of civilians.
The committee also demanded the immediate resignation of the AJK Prime Minister, arguing that the current leadership has lost public confidence. In addition, the suspension of Muzaffarabad’s Sector Commander and the initiation of an inquiry against him were called for. Another point raised by the JAAC was the removal of its leaders’, overseas Kashmiris’, and journalists’ names from the FIA’s Exit Control List (ECL) and stop list to allow them freedom of movement.
With these demands tabled, the talks are being described as highly sensitive and serious. Both the people of AJK and the overseas Kashmiri community are closely watching the outcome, as it will have direct implications for the region’s future course. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued clear instructions that the government delegation must find an immediate and lasting solution and present recommendations to the Prime Minister’s Office without delay.
It now remains to be seen what outcome emerges from these negotiations. While the JAAC has adopted a hardline stance, the government has expressed a desire to resolve the crisis through dialogue and reconciliation. Given the sensitivity of the situation, expectations are that both sides will show flexibility in order to provide the people of AJK with peace and political stability.
