Agreement to Be Signed Soon, Minister Confirms; Committee Formed to Review Implementation
Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir — After days of intense protests and violent clashes in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the federal government and the Awami Action Committee (AAC) have reached a consensus on a draft agreement, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal announced on Friday. Both parties are now reviewing the final draft, with the agreement expected to be signed soon.
A Step Towards Peace and Democracy
Speaking on Geo News’ program Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Iqbal, a member of the government’s negotiation team, expressed that the deal represented a significant achievement for Pakistan, the people of AJK, and democracy. “A permanent committee has been set up under the supervision of Kashmir Affairs Minister Amir Muqam to monitor the implementation of this agreement. The committee will meet every 15 days,” Iqbal confirmed.
Violence and Protests Escalate in AJK
The agreement comes after a tense week in AJK, where protests organized by the AAC escalated into violence, resulting in the deaths of at least nine individuals, including three police officers, and leaving more than 100 others injured. The ongoing unrest led to widespread shutdowns and wheel-jam strikes across Muzaffarabad, the region’s capital, as skirmishes between law enforcement and protesters continued intermittently.
AAC’s 38-Point Charter and Key Demands
The AAC, which has been at the forefront of these protests, presented a 38-point charter of demands. Among the key issues were calls for the abolition of 12 reserved seats for refugees and the reversal of certain “elite privileges” that the committee claims perpetuate inequality.
Constitutional Review on Reserved Seats
Iqbal addressed one of the contentious demands regarding the reserved seats, noting that a committee of constitutional experts would be established to thoroughly review the matter. “This is a constitutional issue, and we will take our time to ensure a fair decision. Once reviewed, the decision will be accepted by all parties,” he stated.
Second Round of Talks and Ongoing Negotiations
The second round of talks between the AAC and the government delegation, which included Federal Ministers Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Amir Muqam, and Ahsan Iqbal, resumed shortly after Friday prayers in Muzaffarabad. Government representatives also included Raja Pervez Ashraf, Qamar Zaman Kaira, and Rana Sanaullah, while Sardar Masood Khan and Sardar Yousaf represented the action committee.
Throughout the negotiations, the AAC representatives called for the restoration of internet services, which had been cut off during the protests, as well as further progress on their other demands. While many of the AAC’s demands have been acknowledged and accepted by the government, several require constitutional amendments and remain subjects of further deliberation.
Government’s Support for Kashmir’s Rights and Further Discussion Needed
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Chaudhry, emphasized the government’s commitment to the rights of the Kashmiri people. “Most of the demands, particularly those in the public interest, have been accepted. A few, however, involve constitutional amendments and will require more discussion,” he said. Chaudhry also expressed hope that the action committee would continue to resolve the remaining issues through peaceful dialogue.
Legal and Constitutional Considerations
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarrar also addressed the legal complexities surrounding the negotiations, particularly concerning the constitutional aspects of the 12 reserved seats for refugees. He stressed the importance of maintaining the historical ties of voters in these constituencies to Kashmir, noting that abrupt changes could have significant political and social repercussions. “Any constitutional amendments should be carefully considered, with broad political consensus,” Tarrar added, warning against rushed decisions that could harm the Kashmir cause.
Next Steps in the Negotiation Process
The negotiations are expected to continue in the coming weeks as both sides work towards finalizing the details of the agreement and addressing the remaining demands.
