PM Shehbaz Orders Probe into AJK Protests, Expands Negotiation Committee
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep concern over the recent protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) that turned violent, leaving six civilians and three police personnel dead. He has ordered a transparent inquiry into the incidents and directed immediate relief for the affected families.
In a statement, the premier emphasized that peaceful protest is a democratic right, but appealed to citizens to avoid violence and maintain public order.
“The government is always ready to resolve the issues of our Kashmiri brothers,” PM Shehbaz assured.
Protest Casualties and Injuries
According to the AJK government, nearly 172 police personnel were injured during the demonstrations, with 12 in critical condition. Around 50 civilians also sustained injuries. The protests were led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), which has presented a 38-point charter of demands — including rolling back “elite privileges” and abolishing 12 reserved seats for refugees.
Expanded Negotiation Committee
To defuse tensions, PM Shehbaz announced the expansion of the government’s negotiation committee, adding senior leaders including Sardar Yusuf, Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah, Masood Khan, and Qamar Zaman Kaira. The team has been instructed to travel immediately to Muzaffarabad and work towards a peaceful, lasting solution.
PM Shehbaz said he would personally oversee the negotiation process upon his return to the country. He urged AAC leaders to cooperate with the committee and assured that their concerns would be addressed on priority.
90% of Demands “Already Accepted”
Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, speaking alongside AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, stated that 90% of AAC’s demands have already been accepted. He explained that only two demands require constitutional amendments — including changes to refugee seats and cabinet size.
He stressed that protests were no longer necessary, saying:
“The majority of demands have been met. Dialogue is the only way forward.”
The AJK Prime Minister also renewed the call for negotiations, assuring that the government is ready to review cabinet privileges if needed. Both leaders urged protesters to return to the table, warning that continued agitation would only create instability.
