Islamabad: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appealed for calm in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following violent protests earlier this week that left three policemen dead and triggered a three-day strike.
In a statement Prime Minister Sharif said peaceful protest was the constitutional and democratic right of citizens but urged demonstrators to avoid harming public order.
He instructed law enforcement agencies to act with patience and restraint, adding that “respect for public sentiments must be ensured” and unnecessary force avoided.
The prime minister expressed concern over the loss of life during the unrest and ordered a transparent investigation. He also directed immediate assistance for families affected by the violence.
Negotiations committee announced
As part of efforts to restore calm, authorities have formed a government committee to open dialogue with protest leaders.
The panel includes Senator Rana Sanaullah, Federal Ministers Sardar Yusuf and Ahsan Iqbal, former AJK President Masood Khan, and senior politician Qamar Zaman Kaira.
The prime minister instructed the committee to travel immediately to Muzaffarabad, the AJK capital, and work towards “an immediate and lasting solution” to people’s concerns.
Call for dialogue
Shehbaz Sharif appealed to members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has led the protests, to cooperate with the government’s delegation. The committee will present its recommendations to the Prime Minister’s Office for swift implementation.
Officials said the government remained committed to resolving the situation peacefully and addressing the grievances of citizens in AJK.
