On Sunday, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif intervened to calm rising tensions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), sparked by protests against the regional government’s unmet economic promises. Clashes on Saturday led to a police fatality and numerous injuries. Since Friday, a widespread strike has crippled AJK.
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President Zardari called for restraint and dialogue. He stressed the importance of responsible action across AJK to prevent external exploitation of the situation. Mourning the police casualty, he insisted on lawful redress for the AJK populace’s grievances.
Prime Minister Sharif also spoke and advocated for non-violent resolution methods. He criticized those causing damage during protests, highlighting the dangers of chaos being used for political gain. Additionally, he directed PML-N leaders in AJK to collaborate with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which demands economic concessions.
A strategic meeting involving key officials is scheduled for today to address the protest and discuss the JAAC’s demands, which include lower electricity costs and subsidized flour.
In December 2023, the JAAC reached a preliminary agreement with the government, which later stalled, prompting their current actions. Arrests last week intensified the crisis, with police using force against demonstrators.
