Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed on Sunday grave concern over the escalating situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), urging all stakeholders to pursue a peaceful course of action to address their grievances.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), PM Shehbaz underscored the significance of dialogue, debate, and peaceful demonstrations in a democratic society. However, he vehemently condemned any attempts to resort to violence or vandalism, stressing that such actions would not be tolerated.
"Peaceful resolution through dialogue is the cornerstone of a democratic society. While dissent and protest are fundamental rights, they must be exercised within the bounds of law and order," Prime Minister Shehbaz remarked on his social media platform.
Acknowledging the complexity of the situation, the Prime Minister disclosed that he had engaged in discussions with the Prime Minister of AJK and directed all PML-N office bearers in the region to actively participate in negotiations with the leaders of the action committee.
"Despite the challenges posed by detractors, I am optimistic that a peaceful resolution will soon be reached," Prime Minister Shehbaz asserted.
Third day of protests in AJK
It is pertinent to mention that peace and calm appear to have returned to Azad Jammu and Kashmir on the third day of demonstrations on Sunday against rising electricity bills, while normal life remains disrupted with businesses shuttered and public transport halted in various cities.
On Saturday, turmoil gripped Azad Kashmir, as clashes between protesters and police escalated during the ongoing demonstrations against rising electricity bills.
Normalcy could not be restored on the third day of the wheel-jam and shutter-down strike in Kashmir on Sunday, where an additional sub-inspector was martyred and 16 other police personnel injured in firing on Saturday.
President calls emergency meeting
Following the rising violence during protests in Azad Kashmir, President Asif Zardari has called an emergency meeting at the President House today at 6pm. In the meeting, a briefing will be given to the president by the top officers and officials of Azad Kashmir.
The reasons behind the current crisis in Azad Kashmir will also be reviewed at the meeting and suggestions presented on solving the issues.
The president has also called a meeting of the PPP Azad Kashmir leadership at 4pm where he is set to get a briefing from them.
On Saturday, various places in Muzaffarabad saw stone-pelting and shelling, while the Bank Road appeared to be a battlefield. Many police officers and protesters were injured in Islamgarh, and an additional SHO, who was injured the previous day due to the violence of the protesters, died.
On the appeal of the Joint Public Action Committee, a shutter-down and wheel-jam strike prevailed across Azad Kashmir on the second day on Saturday. Traders started their march from Mirpur towards Muzaffarabad. When barriers were put up to stop the march in Kotli, the participants made their way by cutting down trees.
Invitation for open dialogue
Amidst the chaos, Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq extended an invitation to the Public Action Committee for open dialogue, expressing the government's willingness to address concerns regarding the prices of essential commodities and provide more relief on the prices of flour and electricity.
He said in a press conference that the government would not make any undemocratic decisions, adding that a sub-inspector was martyred, and 50 officials were injured during the riots. Despite this, the authorities showed patience and avoided using force. He dispelled any reports to the contrary as rumours spread on social media.
