LAHORE: PML-N President and three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed concern over the prevailing political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and urged protesters to end their sit-ins and engage in "meaningful dialogue."
"The country belongs to all of us, and we must live together as brothers," he said, adding that "the people of Kashmir have rendered unparalleled sacrifices for Pakistan, and Pakistan has always regarded the Kashmiri struggle as its own and supported it accordingly."
The PML-N supremo made these remarks while chairing a high-level meeting in Lahore to review the political and administrative situation in AJK. The meeting was attended by the senior leadership of PML-N as well as representatives of PML-N AJK.
Tensions have escalated across AJK following recent deadly clashes between law enforcement personnel and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). JAAC – an umbrella organization formed in 2023 – representing traders, transporters, lawyers, students, and citizens has been demanding economic relief and political rights from the region's government.
Earlier in June, the AJK government banned the Committee, accusing the organisation of involvement in terrorism, promoting hatred, and creating anarchy in the state. The ban followed the JAAC's call for a protest on June 9. The organisation had previously led large-scale demonstrations with some protests ending in violence and fatalities during clashes with law enforcement in May 2024 and September 2025.
Commenting on the current situation, Nawaz reiterated that PML-N maintained a clear and principled stance on the Kashmir issue and supported the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination in accordance with the United Nations resolutions. He emphasized that PML-N always prioritized the constitutional and fundamental rights of the people of AJK, along with the region's development and prosperity.
"Under the Interim Constitution Act, 1974, the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir enjoy full civil liberties and that all available resources and capabilities should be utilized for their welfare and well-being," Nawaz said. "The struggle for public rights should remain within the constitutional framework," he added, affirming that PML-N would continue to play its role alongside all democratic forces.
Nawaz expressed sorrow and grief over the loss of lives, including government personnel and civilians, in recent incidents, stating that such circumstances should never have arisen. Appealing to the people of AJK, Nawaz urged them to maintain their ideological and emotional bond with Pakistan, remain peaceful, end protest sit-ins, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
