Shehbaz Sharif says issues resolved ‘amicably’ as deal signed to end unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir has eased after the federal government and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) signed an agreement on Saturday, ending a week of shutdowns and violent clashes that killed at least 10 people, says Dawn.

Why it matters:

The region had been paralyzed under a communications blackout as protests over elite privileges and reserved refugee seats escalated. The agreement signals a return to dialogue and stability in a historically sensitive territory.

The deal in a nutshell:

• Justice & compensation: FIRs will be filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act for violence-related deaths. Families of the deceased receive compensation and one government job; gunshot injuries compensated at Rs1 million per person.
• Governance reforms: AJK cabinet and administrative secretaries capped at 20; anti-corruption bodies merged; a committee to review perks and privileges for officials.
• Political issues: Reserved refugee seats put "in abeyance" until a high-powered committee reports.
• Economic commitments: Rs10 billion pledged to upgrade electricity; feasibility studies for Neelum Valley tunnels; plans for a Mirpur international airport; funds for healthcare improvements.

From the leaders:

• PM Shehbaz Sharif: "All issues have been resolved amicably… public interest and service are among our top priorities."
• Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal: "When the government listens, and when the people engage constructively, we can find solutions together."

The bottom line:

The pact ends a week of violence and signals a push toward dialogue, governance reforms, and infrastructure investment in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

The protests, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, was over electricity costs, wheat shortages, and elite privileges, and turned violent in late September 2025. Strikes and clashes across multiple districts left dozens dead or injured.