For the past several days, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has been gripped by violent protests that have brought life in the region to a standstill. At the heart of the unrest is the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), which has been demanding the acceptance of its 38-point charter of demands. These demands include calls for utility subsidies, governance reforms, and changes to the structure of the AJK legislature.
The situation turned chaotic on Monday when supporters of the JKJAAC clashed with participants of a Muslim Conference “peace rally” during a strike call. Violence escalated again on Wednesday, leading to at least 10 deaths so far, while a communications blackout has added to public anxiety and isolation in the region.
In response to the growing crisis, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent a high-level delegation of federal ministers to Muzaffarabad on Thursday to negotiate with protest leaders. Government officials have claimed that around 90 percent of the demands have been accepted, but two key issues remain unresolved — the removal of elite privileges enjoyed by AJK’s ministers and officials, and the abolition of reserved parliamentary seats for refugees who migrated from Indian-held Kashmir.
Read More: Government, JAAC Reach Landmark Agreement to End AJK Unrest
This marks the third major wave of protests in the region within the past two years, reflecting deep-rooted frustrations over inequality, governance failures, and economic hardships. The resentment over elite privileges has grown stronger as citizens see little improvement in public services despite the generous perks enjoyed by officials.
While the demand for subsidies is understandable given rising living costs, it also raises concerns about AJK’s financial sustainability, as the state’s resources remain limited. Calls for tax reforms and rational rates must therefore be balanced against the need for fiscal stability. Similarly, the question of refugee representation in the legislature is a constitutional matter that requires thorough debate within the AJK parliament, rather than being settled through street protests.
Both the government and the protesters now face a critical moment. Authorities must avoid heavy-handed tactics, while demonstrators should pursue their grievances through peaceful and democratic means. Given AJK’s strategic and sensitive position, stability in the region is essential.
To restore normalcy, both sides must engage in meaningful dialogue and work toward long-term institutional solutions that address the root causes of discontent — ensuring that the region does not spiral back into unrest in the months to come.