MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has said that the state will establish its authority and has urged the banned action committee to call off its activities, adding that dialogue will remain possible only if normal conditions are restored.
Speaking to Geo News, the AJK prime minister said that the current situation in the region is not satisfactory and acknowledged that the state is going through a difficult phase.
“State Will Assert Its Authority”
Faisal Mumtaz Rathore stated that the government will ensure the writ of the state is maintained.
He said that all relevant stakeholders should move toward de-escalation, adding that meaningful talks can only take place if the protesting side withdraws its agitation.
“The state will establish its authority, and the action committee should call off its protest. Only then can talks proceed in a meaningful way,” he said.
Remarks on Casualties During Protests
The prime minister expressed sorrow over loss of life during past protests, saying that lives lost during demonstrations cannot be compensated.
He recalled earlier negotiations in which, according to him, 14 people lost their lives during the process of dialogue.
He said that his statements had not been properly understood or given due consideration by the action committee during previous negotiations.
Allegations Against Action Committee
Faisal Mumtaz Rathore alleged that the action committee had refused to include the Azad Kashmir government in the negotiation process.
According to him, the committee insisted on dealing directly with the federal government and excluded the AJK administration from talks.
He added that as a result, criticism is currently being directed primarily at the AJK government despite its limited role in the negotiation process.
Reference to Federal Government and Agreements
The AJK prime minister also referred to remarks made by Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, stating that commitments made with the AJK government had reportedly been fulfilled.
He added that remaining matters related to the federal government had now been included in the recent budget.
Call for Protest Suspension
Reiterating his stance, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said that restoration of state authority was a prerequisite for further dialogue.
He urged the protest leadership to suspend their agitation, stating that negotiations could not continue under current circumstances.
“We are ready for talks, but first you must call off your protest,” he said.
Remarks on Protest Participation
Responding to a question regarding the involvement of women and children in protests, the AJK premier said that those who participate in such movements are often unaware of the full situation.
He suggested that participants are sometimes influenced by emotional narratives and selective information presented to them.
Conclusion
The AJK prime minister’s remarks come amid ongoing political tensions and negotiations in the region. While the government has expressed willingness for dialogue, it maintains that restoration of order and suspension of protests are essential preconditions for meaningful engagement moving forward.
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