ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): In a recent development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has intervened at the highest level to defuse the tense situation in Azad Kashmir by nominating a high-powered negotiation committee tasked with engaging the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) for a peaceful settlement.
According to the sources, the government has extended a formal invitation to the JAAC leaders for talks; whereas, the responsibility to improve the situation now rests with the JAAC.
Sources close to the government said that if the Action Committee leadership does not respond positively to the Prime Minister’s initiative, doubts may arise regarding the true intentions and agenda of its leadership.
The Prime Minister reiterated that his government remains committed to resolving the people’s issues through dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation.
Negotiations Team Reaches Muzaffarabad
Additionally, a delegation comprising the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Rana Sanaullah, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Ahsan Iqbal, Sardar Yousaf, PPP leaders Raja Pervez Ashraf, and Qamar Zaman Kaira has reached Muzaffarabad to resolve the ongoing protests in Azad Kashmir through talks.
Officials say that the government delegation will hold talks with the leaders of the Awami Action Committee leading the protests, and an attempt will be made to resolve all issues peacefully through talks.
Expanded Negotiations Team Formed
Earlier, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif, expressing deep concern and strict notice of the situation in Azad Kashmir, expanded the negotiation committee, which has included Senator Rana Sanaullah, federal ministers Sardar Yousaf, Ahsan Iqbal, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Masood Khan, and Qamar Zaman Kaira.
The Prime Minister has directed the committee to immediately go to Muzaffarabad and find a lasting solution to the problems.
The Prime Minister appealed to the members of the Action Committee and the leadership to cooperate with the government negotiation committee. The committee will send its recommendations and proposed solutions to the Prime Minister’s Office without delay so that steps can be taken to immediately resolve the problems.
He said that peaceful protest is a constitutional and democratic right of every citizen; however, the protesters should refrain from harming public order.
The Prime Minister strongly appealed to the citizens to remain peaceful and directed the law enforcement agencies to show patience and tolerance with the protesters, ensure respect for public sentiments, and avoid unnecessary harshness.
Shehbaz Sharif said that the government is always ready to resolve the problems of its Kashmiri brothers. Expressing concern over the unpleasant incidents that took place during the protests, he ordered a transparent investigation and directed to provide immediate assistance be provided to the affected families.
The Prime Minister has also announced direct supervision of the negotiation process upon his return to the country.
