MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Kashmir is currently going through what the leadership describes as a critical phase, with authorities focusing on the need to restore state authority and de-escalate ongoing tensions.
Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has stated that the state must firmly establish its writ while urging the banned action committee to call off its protest movement and return to dialogue.
He acknowledged that the situation on the ground cannot be described as satisfactory and admitted that the region is facing a serious test of governance and stability.
He stressed that every loss of life during the protests is deeply regrettable and cannot be justified under any circumstance.
He noted that past attempts at dialogue had also resulted in significant human loss, including 14 deaths, which he said reflects the urgency of adopting a more responsible approach in the future.
The prime minister further remarked that previous messages and warnings were neither seriously considered nor properly understood by the protest leadership.
He added that the involvement of the Azad Kashmir government was deliberately rejected by the protest side during earlier mediation efforts, with demands instead directed toward federal-level engagement.
This has led to misplaced criticism being directed at the local government.
He also referenced recent statements by senior political leadership, including statements attributed to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, suggesting that agreements previously made with the Azad Kashmir government have largely been implemented, while remaining federal commitments have been incorporated into the latest budget.
The prime minister said that the state will enforce its authority and expects the protest leadership to stand down first. He emphasized that only after de-escalation can meaningful dialogue take place, adding that negotiations under current conditions are no longer viable.
He said that participants are often influenced by narratives that may not reflect the full reality of the situation, and many join movements without complete awareness of their political consequences.
