Muzaffarabad — A high-level government delegation reached Muzaffarabad on Thursday to restart talks with the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) after days of violent clashes that left at least 10 people dead and dozens injured. The eight-member team, sent by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, included senior federal ministers and PPP leaders, joined by AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq. Initial discussions were held with JKJAAC representatives from Muzaffarabad division, while leaders from Poonch and Mirpur joined later consultations in Dhirkot, with negotiations expected to continue.
The unrest began after talks collapsed over reserved refugee seats and elite privileges, sparking widespread protests and a communications blackout across Azad Jammu and Kashmir. For the fourth consecutive day, the region observed a complete strike, with shuttered markets, empty offices, and negligible attendance in banks and government departments. Many officials avoided official vehicles, opting instead for discreet travel on foot or rented motorcycles.
Before departing Islamabad, members of the federal committee stressed the importance of dialogue, warning that hostile elements could exploit the turmoil to destabilize Pakistan. According to Dawn News, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and others emphasized that violence was not a solution and urged protesters to engage in talks. Prime Minister Shahbaz, in a statement, expressed deep concern over the killings, including three policemen, and directed law enforcement agencies to exercise restraint while ordering a transparent inquiry into the deaths.
Meanwhile, Muzaffarabad witnessed large funerals for victims allegedly killed in police firing, drawing massive crowds at Khurshid Football Stadium and Lala Chowk. JKJAAC leaders vowed to continue their struggle until demands were met, including the abolition of refugee seats, withdrawal of elite privileges, implementation of a 2019 High Court ruling on power projects, and provision of health cards. Thousands of supporters also gathered in Kohala, awaiting further instructions, as both sides prepared for another round of negotiations.