ISLAMABAD: Azad Kashmir’s prime minister on Wednesday appealed for an end to days of violent protests in the disputed northern region, urging protest leaders to return to negotiations instead of pressing on with “the path of violence.”
The call to resume dialogue followed shutter-down strikes, wheel-jam protests and clashes across Azad Kashmir, organized by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC). The civil rights alliance is demanding an end to special allowances for government officials and the supply of electricity and wheat at discounted rates, similar to subsidies in other parts of Pakistan.
Protest leaders accuse the government of reneging on promises and say at least 12 people have been killed, while authorities report police casualties and deny failing to meet demands.
Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, but both claim it in its entirety. Azad Kashmir is the part administered by Pakistan.
“For resolving any conflict, the best and most well-known way in the world, which has been used continuously and will continue to be used, is through dialogue,” Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq said during a press conference.
