Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif has called for an end to ongoing sit-ins and protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), urging all stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue to restore peace and stability in the region.
The former prime minister made the remarks while chairing a meeting in Lahore to review the political and administrative situation in AJK. Senior party leaders and representatives from the party’s AJK chapter attended the session.
Call for Constitutional and Democratic Resolution
Addressing participants, Nawaz Sharif said the current situation in AJK was a matter of concern and stressed that political and public issues should be resolved through constitutional and democratic means.
“This country belongs to all of us,” he said, adding that political rights and public demands should be pursued within the framework of the Constitution and the law.
He emphasized that dialogue, tolerance and democratic engagement remain the most effective tools for resolving disputes and preventing further tensions.
Appeal to Protesters and Political Stakeholders
The PML-N president appealed to protesters to end sit-ins and demonstrations and urged all political parties, the AJK government and the federal government to work collectively for peace.
According to Nawaz Sharif, meaningful negotiations between stakeholders are necessary to address concerns and avoid further instability.
He also called for the promotion of harmony, political tolerance and constructive engagement among all groups operating in the region.
Background to Recent Tensions
The remarks come amid ongoing political tensions in AJK following the government’s decision earlier this month to declare the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a proscribed organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The decision was announced ahead of planned protests by the group regarding electoral and constitutional issues, including opposition to reserved seats allocated to refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) who migrated to Pakistan after 1947.
Recent incidents linked to the unrest have resulted in casualties and heightened political debate across the region.
Tribute to Kashmiris and Support for Self-Determination
During the meeting, Nawaz Sharif reiterated the PML-N’s long-standing position on the Kashmir issue.
He said the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir should be granted their right to self-determination in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.
“The people of Kashmir have made unforgettable sacrifices for Pakistan,” he remarked.
He also urged Kashmiris to maintain their ideological and emotional connection with Pakistan while continuing to pursue their objectives through peaceful means.
Condolences and Political Message
The meeting expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in recent incidents in AJK and offered prayers for those who died.
Nawaz Sharif stated that the PML-N has consistently supported constitutional rights, public welfare initiatives and development projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, adding that peace and stability are essential for the region’s progress.
The former premier concluded by urging all sides to prioritise dialogue over confrontation, saying that lasting solutions can only emerge through consultation and mutual understanding.
