Peace Restored in Azad Jammu and Kashmir After Agreement

On Saturday, the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, said that the Federal government has signed an agreement with the JAAC to avoid unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Agreement brings an end to unrest:

After a long unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the federal government is now able to sign a final agreement with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that the agreement will bring relief to the region.

He said on X, “Our negotiation delegation has signed a final agreement with the AJK Joint Action Committee. The protesters are returning to their homes. All roads have reopened.”

The development comes after two intense rounds of talks between the federal government’s delegation, the AJK authorities, and JAAC leaders over the past two days.

Reason for the protest:

The unrest in AJK began when talks broke down last week between the JAAC, the AJK government, and federal ministers. The core issues at the heart of the disagreement were elite privileges and reserved seats for refugees.

What started as a largely peaceful movement soon escalated when rival groups staged protests, accusing one another of fueling violence. The situation turned grim as fierce clashes broke out between protesters and security forces. According to reports, at least 10 people lost their lives, and many others were critically injured during the confrontations.

A hard-fought victory for peace

The signing of the agreement is being hailed as a crucial step toward stability. Chaudhry said, “This is a victory of peace. Long live Azad Kashmir.”

The agreement signals not just the reopening of roads but also a chance for people to return to their daily lives without fear of disruption. For many families in the region, this deal brings hope after days of uncertainty and violence.

The importance of dialogue:

The resolution highlights the power of dialogue and negotiation over confrontation. Despite the tragic loss of life, the fact that both sides came back to the table shows a commitment to peace. 

The government’s decision to engage in back-to-back talks with JAAC leaders reflects the urgency of the situation and the recognition that force alone cannot solve political disagreements. 

By reaching common ground, the government and JAAC have not only stopped the protests but also opened the door for long-term discussions on reforms.