ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, on Thursday once again invited the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) for talks after the group warned of a protest movement.
The Awami Action Committee, in its core committee meeting in Muzaffarabad on January 21, expressed concerns over the government’s response to the implementation of an agreement signed on October 4, 2025, between JAAC and the federal government to end the state-wide protest.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the action committee demanded that “the agreement should be fully implemented by February 21, 2026, otherwise a historic struggle will be started to achieve the right of ownership and rule of the residents in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).”
“A plan of action will be announced later, which has been decided,” the statement said, adding that a final call will be announced at the core committee meeting at Sirsa, Kotli, on February 25.
Responding to the protest call, in a video statement, the federal minister Amir Muqam, asserted that the negotiation process is the only effective way to resolve public issues.
“I am grateful to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that the health card program has been restored in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan,” he said, adding that the health card program will make it possible to provide quality medical facilities to the public.
Highlighting the federal government’s positive intentions towards AJK, the minister said that the Prime Minister of Pakistan has launched major projects in the education sector without any demand, as work is currently underway on five Daanish schools in the region.
“Practical progress is being made on the laptop scheme, educational reforms, and other development projects. Facilities are being provided to the people of Azad Kashmir on a priority basis,” he stated.
Furthermore, he emphasised that most of the demands of the Awami Action Committee were met following the last year talks.
He added that, unfortunately, the JAAC did not attend two important meetings of the high-level committee formed to deliberate on the issue of refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly.
Muqam once again invited the JAAC to attend the next meeting and hold serious talks to resolve issues. “The progress made so far is far beyond expectations,” he lauded.
“A sustainable solution to the problems of Azad Kashmir is possible only through mutual consultation and cooperation,” he asserted, adding that the federal government wants to work together with all stakeholders for the development and prosperity of Azad Kashmir.
