Muzaffarabad, October 2, 2025: Members of the federal government’s high-level negotiation committee on Thursday expressed confidence that the ongoing crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will be resolved through dialogue, urging protesters to remain peaceful and patient.
The delegation, formed on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s instructions, reached Muzaffarabad and assured that the legitimate demands of the people would be addressed in accordance with the Constitution and law.
Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal said Islamabad valued the sentiments of the “patriotic people of Azad Kashmir,” stressing that peace must not be disrupted.
“We must not give enemies of the country an opportunity to exploit the situation. Violence complicates matters, it does not resolve them,” he remarked.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, who is leading part of the delegation, reiterated that dialogue is the only way forward.
“We will sit with our brothers from the Public Action Committee. Problems can only be solved by sitting down together, not through confrontation,” he said, adding that any confusion would be cleared through talks.
Federal Minister Ameer Muqam noted that he and Dr Tariq Fazal had earlier engaged with protesters in good faith.
“I wanted their legitimate demands to be resolved even then. Nothing is gained through protests. The aim of this large delegation is to address the genuine concerns of the Kashmiri people,” he said.
Former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also highlighted the importance of dialogue, warning that hostile forces could seek to take advantage of the unrest.
“Our delegation will review the situation on the ground and ensure that the legitimate demands of the Kashmiri people are addressed. At such times, enemies of Pakistan and Kashmir may try to exploit the situation, but we are committed to peace,” he said.
Federal Minister Sardar Yousaf reminded that past issues in Azad Kashmir had been resolved through dialogue.
“Big problems can also be solved through talks. I am hopeful that the Public Action Committee will cooperate and that legitimate demands for the betterment of the people will be accepted,” he said.
Senior PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira reaffirmed the government’s commitment to negotiation.
“In any case, we will accept legitimate demands through talks. We hope protesters will recognize the prime minister’s sincere efforts,” he said.
The renewed push for dialogue comes after violent protests in Dhirkot left six civilians and three policemen martyred, according to the AJK government. Officials said more than 140 policemen were injured ,12 critically, while around 50 civilians also sustained injuries.
The government has appealed to the public to remain peaceful and to beware of “fake news being spread on social media under a specific agenda.”
The negotiation committee assured that all concerns will be handled responsibly and peacefully, calling on the Public Action Committee to show patience and unity.
“We are confident that a peaceful and lasting solution will be found,” the delegation said in a joint statement.
