MUZAFFARABAD: Negotiations between the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and federal ministers have collapsed, with the committee reiterating its call for a protest.
Federal ministers Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Aamir Maqam had traveled to Muzaffarabad to mediate between the JAC and the Azad Kashmir government. Despite their efforts, the discussions ended without any agreement.
According to government sources, the breakdown occurred due to the JAC’s inflexible stance and the frequent alteration of demands during the negotiations.
After each tentative agreement, the committee reportedly presented new conditions, which included additional electricity subsidies for traders and opposition to the termination of judges’ pensions. This constant shifting of demands ultimately led to the failure of the talks.
The ongoing dispute has heightened tensions in the region, with both traders and civil society expressing frustration over unresolved issues related to subsidies, pensions, and governance.
Analysts warn that if the stalemate continues, it could escalate into prolonged public unrest and negatively impact local economic activity.
In response to the unsuccessful negotiations, the JAC leadership announced that the planned lockdown and protest on September 29 would go ahead as scheduled, signaling a continuation of public unrest in the region.
