Pakistan’s government reached an agreement Saturday with protesters in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, ending nearly a week of violent unrest that left at least 10 people dead and scores injured.
The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which led the demonstrations, signed a pact with federal ministers after two days of intensive negotiations. The protests began Monday over rising electricity tariffs, inadequate healthcare, and political elite privileges, quickly escalating into deadly clashes with security forces.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the resolution, stating “all issues have been resolved amicably” and calling it an achievement for both Pakistan and the region.
Under the agreement, victims’ families will receive compensation equivalent to law enforcement benefits, with Rs1 million for those with gunshot injuries. Each deceased person’s family will be granted a government job within 20 days. The deal also mandates FIRs under the Anti-Terrorism Act for violence incidents and establishes judicial commissions where required.
The JAAC’s original 38-point charter demanded abolition of 12 reserved assembly seats for Kashmiri refugees, subsidized electricity and flour, and overdue development projects. The deadlock began September 25 over elite privileges and refugee seat allocation.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal praised the peaceful resolution, emphasizing that “when the government listens, and when the people engage constructively, we can find solutions together.”
India condemned Pakistan’s handling of the protests, calling the crackdown “horrific” human rights violations requiring international accountability.
