MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has extended an invitation to the Awami Action Committee to call off its ongoing protest and engage in negotiations, emphasizing that dialogue is the only civilized path to resolving disputes.
AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, accompanied by Federal Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, addressed a joint press conference in Islamabad, stressing that while provoking unrest is easy, addressing grievances and finding solutions requires genuine effort.
He warned that incitement through civilians leads to anarchy and needless bloodshed, which serves no purpose.
Expressing sorrow over the violent incidents that recently unfolded, the AJK premier confirmed that three police personnel had been martyred and nearly 100 others injured.
“The killing of a single individual is akin to the killing of all humanity. No objective can be achieved through violence,” he stated, reiterating his government’s willingness to hold talks with the Action Committee in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, or any location convenient for them.
Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry elaborated on the outcomes of prior negotiations with the committee, noting that the government had already met the vast majority of their demands.
These included the withdrawal of police cases against protesters, reinstatement of suspended government employees, provision of wheat supplies, concessions in electricity matters, and reforms related to local government. He emphasized that a written agreement had been reached following marathon talks, during which 80–90 percent of the committee’s demands were accepted.
He further clarified that only two demands remained unresolved — the abolition of reserved seats for refugees and a reduction in the number of cabinet ministers — as these required constitutional amendments and thus could not be implemented immediately. Despite this, he said, the Action Committee announced a call for a peaceful protest on September 29.
Both leaders underscored that violent demonstrations serve no purpose and only tarnish the image of the picturesque Kashmir valley. “Such unrest is no solution to the challenges faced by the people,” Dr. Chaudhry said.
He also revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, currently in London, had pledged to meet the leadership of the Action Committee upon his return to Pakistan in order to personally address their concerns.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the federal minister stressed that constructive dialogue remains the only viable approach. “We are ready to listen and resolve genuine issues, but nothing can ever be achieved through violent protests,” he concluded.
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