Aik News:A high-level political delegation has questioned the decision of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to continue its protest despite ongoing negotiations and significant progress on its demands. Leaders say most public concerns have already been addressed and remaining issues require constitutional and political processes.
Political leaders have called for continued dialogue and constitutional solutions after the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) refused to postpone its protest despite talks with one of the largest political delegations assembled on the issue.
The delegation included Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Rana Sanaullah, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Shah Ghulam Qadir, Tariq Farooq, the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Chaudhry Yasin. Leaders said the delegation reflected broad political consensus and a serious effort to address public concerns.
According to officials, 35 of JAAC’s 38 demands have already been accepted. They argued that presenting the negotiations as unsuccessful does not reflect the progress made on issues related to public welfare.
The remaining three demands involve taxation, constitutional matters, and political arrangements. Government representatives said these issues are complex and cannot be resolved through protests, deadlines, or public pressure. Instead, they require detailed consultations, legal procedures, and political agreement among stakeholders.
Officials highlighted AJK’s financial situation, stating that the region generates around PKR 60 billion in annual revenue while its total budget exceeds PKR 300 billion. Pakistan contributes approximately PKR 240 to 250 billion every year to cover the shortfall.
They said demands such as the abolition of Advance Tax must be considered in light of these financial realities, as government revenues are necessary to fund development projects, public services, and welfare programmes.
The delegation also noted that Pakistan provides extensive support to refugees from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. More than 63,000 refugees displaced since 1989 receive stipends funded by the Government of Pakistan, costing around PKR 15 billion annually.
Regarding concerns about elite privileges, leaders said the issue remains open for discussion. They expressed willingness to consider reforms and rationalisation measures but stressed that practical proposals and structured dialogue are needed to achieve meaningful progress.
On the issue of the 12 refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, officials said it is a constitutional matter that cannot be settled through street protests. They noted that these seats represent refugees from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and any changes would require constitutional procedures and broad political consensus.
Government representatives also rejected comparisons with Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that refugee representation exists in AJK because there is a recognised refugee population whose political rights remain protected under constitutional arrangements.
Leaders said the focus should now be on finding solutions rather than continuing agitation. They urged citizens to assess demands based on facts, financial realities, constitutional requirements, and governance implications.
The delegation called on the public to support dialogue, democratic institutions, and constitutional processes, warning that prolonged protests could disrupt daily life, harm economic activity, and create law-and-order challenges.
They stressed that the success of any movement should be measured by its ability to improve people's lives rather than by the number of demonstrations it organises.
Political leaders concluded that AJK’s future depends on responsible leadership, constructive engagement, and practical solutions, rather than continued confrontation after significant progress has already been achieved.
