The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on Wednesday boycotted an All Parties Conference (APC) convened by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government to discuss its demands, as the participants unanimously rejected its proposal to abolish refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly.
APC Proceedings and Outcome
The APC, held at the Prime Minister's House in Muzaffarabad, lasted over six hours and was attended by almost all political and religious parties of the region, except the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the JAAC leadership, who boycotted despite being invited. A joint statement based on a consensus resolution was later read by AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore.
JAAC's Stance
The JAAC confirmed receiving an invitation but decided not to attend after the government rejected its proposal, which it termed an injustice. The committee stated that consulting those who benefit from a structure based on injustice, denial of fundamental rights, and inequality amounted to rubbing salt into the wounds of ordinary people. It reaffirmed its decision and hoped for serious efforts to implement the October 4, 2025 agreement.
JAAC Chairman Shaukat Nawaz Mir said the organization did not recognize the conference, accusing participants of convening it for their own interests. He criticized the APC for failing to issue declarations on the Kashmir issue despite significant developments, such as the August 5 blow to the Kashmir cause. Mir reiterated a call for a protest on June 9, with large caravans converging on Muzaffarabad.
AJK Prime Minister's Response
Prime Minister Rathore stated that the APC concluded that no extra-constitutional step could be supported, emphasizing that decisions on refugee seats can only be made by elected representatives. He noted that the JAAC leadership was invited but chose not to attend, and they had already decided to launch an agitation. Rathore said most JAAC demands were addressed, and the government requested a postponement of the June 9 protest for meaningful deliberations, but the request was refused. He assured that force would not be used against peaceful protesters.
APC Resolution Highlights
The resolution reiterated commitment to democratic processes, constitutional continuity, and state stability. It called for tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful political engagement. The APC reaffirmed support for the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people per UN resolutions and condemned human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). It appreciated national security institutions and condemned Indian propaganda. The conference stated that general elections would be held within the constitutional timeframe, free and fair. Refugee representation was acknowledged as a historical reality, with reforms to be enacted through the Legislative Assembly.
JAAC's Criticism of APC Resolution
The JAAC dismissed the APC resolution as insignificant, calling it "the height of frivolity" and accusing state representatives of surrendering their authority. The committee reiterated its proposals submitted on May 30, including symbolic representation for all regions of Jammu and Kashmir in the AJK Legislative Assembly until a permanent resolution, or alternatively, allocating four refugee seats in the AJK Council. It also proposed verification of state subject certificates and mandatory AJK domicile for employment and education.
