The Government of Pakistan has strongly criticized the Awami Action Committee (AAC) for persisting with its strike despite 36 out of 38 demands already being resolved.
Officials explained that the 37th demand, involving refugee representation on reserved seats, requires a constitutional amendment, while the 38th demand is a contradictory plea for personal perks. AAC leaders are asking for unmerited privileges for themselves even as they demand the abolition of government officials’ benefits — a move that, if undertaken, would have to be applied across the entire country, not selectively in AJK.
The strike has already led to a tragic loss of life, with six civilians and three police personnel killed, while 172 police officials were injured, 12 of them critically. In addition, road blockages and business closures have disrupted livelihoods, blocked food and fuel supplies, and harmed students, patients, and daily wage earners.
“Protecting innocent lives and property is the state’s first responsibility,” the government declared, while warning that outside influence was attempting to exploit AAC agitation for foreign agendas.
Taking serious notice of the situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appealed to the protesters to remain peaceful, assuring that their concerns would be addressed. He emphasized that the government was ready to resume talks from the point where they had stalled, and confirmed that cabinet members were present in Muzaffarabad and Rawalakot for this purpose.
The Prime Minister urged AAC leaders to end agitation and return to the negotiation table, warning that inciting citizens toward anarchy would only harm ordinary Kashmiris and weaken the Kashmiri cause internationally.
