Shahbaz Sharif forms high-level committee for talks with Azad Kashmir People's Action Committee

Photo Via (X/Twitter) – @TheSaadKaiser

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established a high-level negotiation committee to engage with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). This initiative aims to address the ongoing protests and resolve public grievances through dialogue.

The newly formed committee includes prominent political figures such as Senator Rana Sanaullah, Federal Ministers Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and Ahsan Iqbal, former AJK President Masood Khan, and PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira. The committee is tasked with assessing the ground situation in AJK and initiating talks with the JAAC to find a lasting solution to the issues at hand. Prime Minister Sharif has directed the committee to submit immediate recommendations to the Prime Minister’s Office for swift action.

The protests, led by the JAAC, erupted on September 29, 2025, in response to demands for subsidies on essentials like food and electricity. Despite the regional administration agreeing to 36 out of 38 demands, including cheaper wheat and reduced electricity tariffs, demonstrations continued, leading to violent clashes between security forces and protesters. The unrest has resulted in at least nine deaths, including both civilians and police officers, and over 150 injuries.

In response to the escalating situation, Prime Minister Sharif has appealed for calm and urged police restraint. He emphasized the government's commitment to addressing public concerns in AJK through dialogue and legal means. The high-level delegation, led by Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, has been dispatched to Muzaffarabad to engage with stakeholders and facilitate negotiations.