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ISLAMABAD, Oct 4 (APP):The high-level Negotiation Committee, constituted by the Prime Minister on Saturday, reaffirmed the government’s firm resolve to provide all possible resources to accomplish the development agenda of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) for the prosperity of its people.
Talking to the media, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, said that the high-level delegation formed by the Prime Minister had completed negotiations with the Joint Awami Action Committee through dialogue, which helped restore a peaceful environment.
He said discussions were held keeping in view the interests, both the people of AJK and Pakistan, adding that the measures agreed upon would not only advance the development agenda but also promote social prosperity in the region.
Iqbal emphasized that weaknesses in administrative structures, whether in AJK or other provinces, often give rise to public grievances.
“We should rectify these shortcomings immediately. Government institutions must become more responsive, and for this, good governance reforms at an acceptable level are essential, especially in today’s era of public awareness and media scrutiny,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that Pakistan was facing economic constraints, which limited its ability to address all issues immediately. However, he expressed optimism that the success of the recent process and this agreement is a victory for the people of Azad Kashmir, a victory for Pakistan and a victory for democracy.
The minister further said that it proves that in a true democratic setup, grievances are resolved through dialogue and negotiations at the table rather than violence.
He congratulated the people of AJK for supporting peace and foiling attempts by certain elements to create hostility, chaos, and disorder. “We have successfully overcome this challenge,” he added.
Ahsan assured that all commitments made by the federal government would be implemented with sincerity. “The 15-day mechanism agreed upon will ensure that grievances do not resurface,” he said.
Senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Qamar Zaman Kaira said that, following the dedicated efforts of the government’s negotiation committee, a dialogue was successfully held with the leadership of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), resulting in a breakthrough agreement aimed at addressing the legitimate demands of the Kashmiri people.
Kaira emphasized that the government’s timely intervention, along with the cooperation of all relevant institutions, had prevented further escalation. The agreement, he added, reflects the government’s sincerity and commitment to address public grievances. A follow-up mechanism has been established, with regular review meetings scheduled every 15 days to ensure timely and effective implementation.
“We stand united in addressing the political and economic issues facing the people of Kashmir. The agreement signed not only represents a resolution of current issues but also reinforces our long-standing bond with the Kashmiri people and the international significance of the Kashmir cause.”
Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engr Amir Muqam, on the occasion, said that hostile elements wanted to see increased bloodshed in AJK, but their designs had been foiled.
“The successful outcome of the dialogue process is a testament to the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” Muqam stated.
He noted that Prime Minister, though on an official foreign visit when protests began in AJK, swiftly formed a committee of senior political leaders to address the situation on an urgent basis. Senior PPP Leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said that the government has accepted the demands of the Awami Action Committee. The government has agreed to implement measures that are in the public interest and benefit the people of Kashmir. A mechanism has been established to address the remaining issues, and a decision was made to end the protests.
Ashraf urged the youth, political parties, and the Action Committee to prioritize love and respect for the country. “Hatred can lead to destruction, but love solves problems,” he emphasized. He called for unity and cooperation to promote the development and progress of the region.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Kashmir, acknowledging their sacrifices and struggles. Ashraf quoted prominent leaders, including Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Bilawal Bhutto who have all expressed their support for Kashmir.
The government has pledged to work towards the betterment of Kashmir, ensuring peace, law, and order in the region. Ashraf emphasized that the government will continue to prioritize the welfare of the people of Kashmir and work towards their development and progress.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has said that the agreement reached with the Action Committee is a victory for peace, Kashmir, and Pakistan. The agreement was the result of three rounds of talks between the government’s delegation.
He emphasized that the government is committed to resolving the issues in AJK and has authorized the delegation to make promises to address the region’s problems. He said the Prime Minister has assured full support, despite financial difficulties, to provide the necessary funds to fulfill the demands of the Action Committee.
The Action Committee members appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s concern and prompt action regarding the situation in AJK. They thanked him for sending a delegation and providing resources to address their grievances.
He emphasized that the government will continue to work towards the welfare of the people of AJK and ensure their development and progress.
The Minister reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to the people of Kashmir, saying that they will continue to be present and work towards the region’s betterment.
Advisor to the Prime Minister Senator Rana Sanaullah said that the high-level committee has successfully negotiated with the Action Committee. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the committee accepted the public welfare demands of the Action Committee.
Sanaullah said the government has promised to provide education and healthcare facilities to the people of AJK. For demands with constitutional and legal aspects, a separate committee has been formed to address these issues.
A high-level committee, led by Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam and Dr Tariq Fazal, will meet every 15 days to oversee the implementation of the agreement. This committee will ensure that the issues are addressed in an evidence-based manner.
He emphasized that Kashmir is an integral part of Pakistan and the government will not let the situation deteriorate. He expressed disappointment among enemies who had hoped for unrest in the region and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the freedom struggle of Kashmir.