Azad Kashmir Unrest Ends After Government-Protesters Agreement

The government of Azad Kashmir has reached an agreement with civil rights protesters to end days of violent unrest in the northern region. The announcement came on Saturday, after clashes between demonstrators and police left at least nine people dead, including three policemen.

Key Highlights

• Nine people killed, including civilians and police officers, during protests.

• A judicial committee will investigate the violence.

• Compensation announced for victims’ families and injured individuals.

• A committee on reserved migrant seats will be formed.

• Government agrees to reduce the number of ministers and secretaries in the regional administration.

Violent Protests Shake the Region

The unrest began on September 29, 2025, after the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) called for an indefinite lockdown.

The protesters demanded:

• Ending privileges and perks for top government officials.

• Abolishing 12 reserved seats in the legislative assembly for migrants from Indian-administered Kashmir.

• Royalty for hydel power projects, which they argue rightfully belongs to the people of the region.

The demonstrations quickly turned violent as protesters clashed with police across multiple locations. Authorities confirmed the deaths of six civilians and three policemen during the week of unrest.

Negotiations Lead to Breakthrough

In response to the escalating crisis, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent a federal team to Muzaffarabad to support regional negotiations. The talks led to a peace agreement between the Azad Kashmir government and the JKJAAC.

“It was the wisdom of local and national leadership and the spirit of dialogue that enabled us to resolve this stand-off peacefully, without violence, without division, and with mutual respect,” said Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on X (formerly Twitter).

Key Terms of the Agreement

According to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, the agreement includes:

• Judicial Commission: A commission will investigate all violent incidents.

• Government Restructuring: The number of ministers and secretaries will be reduced.

• Migrant Seats Review: A committee will evaluate the 12 reserved migrant seats.

• Victim Compensation:

  • Families of those killed will receive monetary benefits equal to law enforcement compensation.

  • Each injured person will receive Rs 10 lakh (approx. $3,554).

  • Government jobs will be offered to one family member of each deceased within 20 days.

A Region with a History of Unrest

Azad Kashmir, administered by Pakistan, has long experienced political and economic tensions. In May 2024, a similar protest movement paralyzed the region for six days, leaving four people dead. That unrest ended after the government announced Rs 23 billion ($86 million) in subsidies for flour and electricity, along with a judicial review of elite privileges.

However, protest leaders had warned that failure to implement those reforms would lead to renewed demonstrations — a warning that came true this year.

Historical Context: The Kashmir Dispute

The Kashmir region has been divided between India and Pakistan since 1947. Both countries claim the territory in full but control it in part. Azad Kashmir is the area administered by Pakistan, while the rest is under Indian administration.

Conclusion

The latest agreement between the government and protesters aims to restore peace and stability in Azad Kashmir after a deadly week of clashes. With investigations, compensation, and administrative reforms underway, authorities hope to address public grievances and prevent further unrest in the sensitive region.