Govt, Protesters Reach Agreement in Azad Kashmir After Successful Talks

AD Khan

Muzaffarabad: The federal ministers and the Awami Action Committee (AAC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) reached a breakthrough agreement on Friday, ending days of tension and protests across the region.

The announcement came during a joint press conference in Muzaffarabad attended by members of the government’s negotiation team and representatives of the AAC.

Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah said the matter had been “amicably resolved” and that the government had accepted the committee’s legitimate demands.
“A Legal Action Committee has been formed to oversee implementation of the accord, which will meet every 15 days,” he added.

Pakistan Peoples Party senior leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf lauded the outcome, saying, “Some elements hoped for chaos, but their plans have failed. Peace in Kashmir is a shared responsibility. There is no need for anyone to take to the streets now — any grievances should be presented before the committee.”

Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal hailed the deal as “a victory for Pakistan, Azad Kashmir, and democracy,” crediting dialogue and mutual respect for diffusing the crisis.
“There was no violence, no division — just wisdom and constructive dialogue,” he said. “The government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, listened carefully to the people’s concerns.”

Earlier, Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry confirmed that the government delegation had signed the final agreement with the AAC. In a social media post, he described it as “a triumph of peace,” noting that demonstrators were returning home and that all roads had reopened.

Key Points of the Agreement

• FIRs under anti-terrorism laws will be registered over deaths caused during violent incidents.
• Compensation will be provided to the families of those killed on Oct 1–2, while each injured person will receive Rs1 million.
• A member of each victim’s family will be offered a government job within 20 days.
• Two additional secondary education boards will be established in Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions, both affiliated with the Federal Board.
• The AJK government will release funds for the health card scheme within 15 days.
• The federal government will allocate Rs10 billion to improve AJK’s power transmission infrastructure.

PM Shehbaz Welcomes Deal

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the agreement, calling it “a major success for Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.”
“Peace and normalcy returning to AJK is a positive sign,” he said. “Rumours and conspiracies have failed, and all matters have been resolved amicably, Alhamdulillah.”

He praised the negotiation team’s efforts and thanked the AAC for engaging in dialogue.
“The government stands ready to address the concerns of our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Public welfare and peace remain our top priorities,” the prime minister added.

Sharif urged citizens not to heed rumours and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting the rights and interests of the people of AJK.