Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has expressed concern over the deadly protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), ordering transparent probe into the matter and the provision of immediate assistance to affected families.
In a statement, the premier said that peaceful protest was a constitutional and democratic right of every citizen, however, demonstrators could not be allowed to harm public order.
“Government is always ready to resolve the issues of its Kashmiri brothers,” he said as at least six civilians and three police personnel were killed in the protests staged by the Awami Action Committee. Over 170 police personnel and 50 civilians were also injured with the condition of 12 reported as critical.
The protests revolve around a 38-point charter of demands, among which are ending 12 reserved seats for refugees and rolling back “privileges of the elite”.
Reacting to the reports of unrest, PM Shehbaz appealed to the protesters to remain peaceful and assured them that their issues will be resolved as he was personally overseeing the negotiations.
He directed law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint and patience with the protesters, ensuring respect for public sentiments and avoiding any unnecessary harshness. He also called on the negotiation committee to find a peaceful resolution to the issue.
The premier directed the negotiation committee to immediately travel to Muzaffarabad and find an immediate and lasting solution to the situation, submitting its recommendations and proposed solutions without delay.
Meanwhile, negotiation committee members said that most of the demands raised by the Awami Action Committee had already been accepted and the remaining issues were being discussed.
AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq also said that most of the protesters’ demands had been accepted and federal ministers stood as guarantors to ensure implementation.
Addressing a press conference, he said that abolishing seats reserved for refugees in the Legislative Assembly and reducing the number of ministers required constitutional amendments, and slammed the action committee for taking the protest into a dead end.