ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Sunday accused the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of attempting to create instability in Azad Jammu and Kashmir despite what he said was full implementation of an earlier agreement with the group.
Addressing a press conference alongside AJK political leaders in Islamabad, Chaudhry said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had constituted a high-level committee to negotiate with JAAC, while a separate monitoring mechanism was established to ensure implementation of all agreed points.
He claimed that the government had fulfilled all clauses of the agreement reached with the group, but said JAAC had still called for renewed protests.
His remarks came two days after the AJK government declared JAAC a proscribed organisation under anti-terrorism laws ahead of its planned protest on June 9.
The group has previously led large-scale protests over economic and political grievances, some of which turned violent in clashes with law enforcement in May 2024 and September 2025.
Dr Chaudhry said the region was being provided electricity at Rs3 per unit and subsidies were being extended on flour and other essential commodities as part of ongoing relief measures.
He said commitments made to families of those killed or injured in earlier protests had been fulfilled, adding that around 170 cases registered during demonstrations had also been withdrawn.
The minister further said the AJK Assembly had completed its term and alleged that attempts were being made to disrupt the electoral process in the region.
Referring to JAAC’s demand for the abolition of 12 refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, he said the judiciary had clarified that such constitutional provisions could not be removed without proper legislation.
Chaudhry said development projects were moving forward under agreed arrangements, but noted that large infrastructure initiatives such as tunnels could not be completed in a short time frame.
He added that local employment opportunities would be prioritised in development schemes, stressing that repeated protests were not a constructive approach for long-term development goals.