Recent clashes between law enforcement agencies and members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC)in the Rawalakot and Kotli districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have created a deeply troubling situation. Large gatherings organized by the JAAC in Rawalakot over the past several days have further heightened tensions. Tragically, confrontations between protesters and security personnel have resulted in loss of life and injuries on both sides.The evolving situation serves neither the interests of Pakistan nor those of the people of Kashmir. It also provides an opportunity for hostile actors to exploit the unrest through misinformation and disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining Pakistan and its institutions. At this critical juncture, dialogue and negotiation remain the only viable path forward. Pakistan and the people of Kashmir share bonds that are historical, cultural, and emotional; therefore, resolving disagreements through peaceful engagement is imperative.
This is not the first time the JAAC has mobilized public demonstrations. Significant protests were witnessed in May 2024 and October 2025 during the tenure of former AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq. These movements reflected longstanding public grievances regarding governance, economic hardships, and administrative responsiveness.A key criticism of successive AJK governments has been their inability to address public concerns in a timely and effective manner. The failure to engage constructively with protest leaders allowed tensions to escalate unnecessarily. The resulting clashes, which led to deaths and injuries, could arguably have been avoided through earlier dialogue and a more measured administrative response. At the same time, instances of violence during protests further complicated an already volatile situation.
The crisis has exposed a growing disconnect between segments of the population and the governing institutions of AJK. Whether this reflects administrative inefficiency, political rivalries, or broader governance challenges, the consequence has been an erosion of public trust. There is a pressing need for a more representative, accountable, and responsive political system that genuinely reflects the aspirations of the people.Equally important is a reassessment of public expenditures. The generous perks and privileges enjoyed by legislators, ministers, and senior bureaucrats in AJK, as elsewhere in Pakistan, warrant careful review. At a time when Pakistan faces significant economic challenges, public resources must be allocated with greater efficiency and transparency. Rationalizing such expenditures should be part of a broader national effort to strengthen governance and restore public confidence.
The relationship between the people of Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir is rooted in centuries of shared history, culture, faith, and geography. Long before the partition of the subcontinent in 1947, the regions maintained close links through trade, migration, intermarriage, and social interaction.Following the adoption of the Lahore Resolution in 1940 and the announcement of the Partition Plan on June 3, 1947, many Kashmiris political leaders began considering accession to Pakistan. On July 19, 1947, Kashmiri leadership under Khawaja Ghulam-ud-Din Wani and Abdul Rahim Wani passed a resolution in Srinagar advocating accession to Pakistan. Their position was based on geographical proximity, the Muslim-majority character of the state, and a shared political vision.
From Pakistan’s perspective, the partition process was complicated by the Radcliffe Boundary Award, particularly the allocation of Gurdaspur to India, which provided a land route to Jammu and Kashmir. The subsequent developments surrounding the accession of the princely state became the foundation of a dispute that remains unresolved to this day.The political upheaval that followed led to the establishment of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government, which has operated under Pakistan’s support while maintaining its own political and administrative institutions. AJK possesses legislative, executive, and judicial structures that provide it with a significant degree of self-governance.In contrast, Pakistan maintains that the autonomy of IIOJKhas been progressively reduced, culminating in India’s decision of August 5, 2019, to revoke the region’s special constitutional status. Pakistan and many Kashmiris view this step as contrary to international commitments and relevant UN resolutions.The human dimension of the Kashmir conflict remains a matter of deep concern. Decades of unrest, militarization, and political instability have imposed immense suffering on the people of the region. Human rights organizations and international observers have repeatedly called for the protection of civilian rights, political freedoms, and meaningful dialogue to address the dispute.
It is unsurprising that unrest in AJK has attracted attention from Indian media and political circles. Pakistan views many of these narratives as attempts to portray internal challenges in a manner that undermines its position on Kashmir. At the same time, Pakistan argues that such coverage often diverts international attention from developments in IIOJK and the broader Kashmir dispute. Despite periodic tensions and political disagreements, the historical and emotional connection between Pakistan and the people of Kashmir remains strong. Shared sacrifices, cultural affinity, and a common historical experience continue to shape this enduring relationship and future of Pakistan-Kashmir.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
