Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep concern about escalating violence in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), where at least nine people, including three policemen, have been killed in the midst of ongoing protests led by Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC/AAC) requiring constitutional reform.
The Prime Minister appealed to citizens to remain peaceful and emphasized that although “peaceful protest is the constitutional and democratic right of every citizen, protesters must avoid causing harm to public order.”
زی Le
زیر اظم ے شہcribeی ےNE اumber ا credہ زیext زیراign
زیراظ quals ہای …
– The Prime Minister’s office (@pakpmo) October 2, 2025
He instructed law enforcement authorities to trade with patience and restraint, which ensures that public emotions are respected and unnecessary strength is avoided.
Read: Ajk wheels like 9 killed in protest violence
“Provocation of people through civilian groups only leads to anarchy and unnecessary tragedy,” said the prime minister, expressing grief over the loss of life.
Rising tensions and government answers
AJK -Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq expanded an open invitation to the JAAC management for renewed conversations.
He acknowledged that Jaac had originally announced peaceful demonstrations, but said the situation had “taken a dangerous reversal.”
“Providing people through civilian groups only leads to anarchy and unnecessary tragedy.
According to AJK government sources, six civilians and three police personnel were killed during clashes, with 172 police officers wounded, including 12 critical, and 50 civilians wounded.
The accidents among police included Constable Khurshid and Constable Jameel from Bagh and Constable Tahir Rafi from Muzaffarabad.
Armed Jaac members reportedly opened fire against police in Dhir Kot, while confrontations also took place between protesters and supporters of the ruling Muslim conference.
Jaac’s strike and protests have paralyzed life across Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Poonch, Neelum, Bhimber and Palandari, with the markets closed, roads blocked and internet and telecommunications services that are largely suspended. Protesters allegedly sealed all entry points connecting Kashmir with Pakistan.
JAAC has presented a 38-point charter of requirements, including removal of perks for reigning elites, abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees, free and uniform education, free healthcare, legal reforms, establishing an international airport and scraping of the quota system.
Both the federal and AJK governments had agreed to 90% of these requirements in previous negotiations, but disputes on remaining problems – especially refugee collections and the number of ministers – required constitutional changes, which resulted in renewed agitation.
To pursue a peaceful decision, Prime Minister Shehbaz the government’s negotiating committee extended to Senator Rana Sanaullah, federal ministers Sardar Yousaf and Ahsan Iqbal, former AJK President Masood Khan and Qamar Zaman Kaira.
The committee has immediately been referred to proceed to Muzaffarabad, prepare urgent and sustainable solutions and submit recommendations to the PM office without delay.
Read more: AJK strikes over constitutional demands kill one, the internet remains suspended
Prime Minister Shehbaz also announced that he would personally oversee the negotiation process when he returned.
He appealed to JAAC leaders to cooperate with the government’s team and noted that “the government is prepared to meet all legitimate demands.”
Meanwhile, the authorities have called on the public not to be misled by propaganda or fake news circulating on social media. Security forces have promised litigation against anyone involved in rebellion or vandalism. Both the federal and AJK governments continue to call for dialogue to step down tension and restore normality in the region.
