Violent protests by Public Action Committee in Kashmir, 3 cops, 6 civilians killed

Kashmir: As a result of violent protests by the People’s Action Committee (PAC) in Azad Kashmir, three police officers were killed, while six civilians lost their lives.

Due to the violent protests, 72 police officers have been injured, of whom 12 are said to be in critical condition, while 50 civilians are also among the injured.

Authorities have appealed to the public not to listen to fake news spread on social media under a specific agenda.

An important meeting has been called in Islamabad today on the situation in Azad Kashmir. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that the meeting will consider the role to play in the situation in Azad Kashmir.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken strict notice of the situation in Azad Kashmir and expressed deep concern.

The Prime Minister has strongly appealed to the citizens of Azad Kashmir to remain peaceful, saying that peaceful protest is a constitutional and democratic right of every citizen, and the protesters should refrain from harming public order.

He stated that the law enforcement agencies should show patience and tolerance with the protesters, ensure respect for public sentiments, and avoid unnecessary harshness.

The Prime Minister has added that the government is always ready to resolve the problems of its Kashmiri brothers.

Expressing deep concern over the unpleasant incidents during the protests, the Prime Minister has ordered a transparent investigation into the incident.

He has directed that immediate assistance be provided to the families affected by the protests.

It is pertinent to note that the government has once again offered talks to the People’s Action Committee.

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, while holding a press conference along with Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, said that the Azad Kashmir government has accepted 90 percent of the demands of the Action Committee.

He said that there were two demands that required an amendment to the constitution of Azad Kashmir, namely, the abolition of refugee seats and the reduction in the number of ministers.

He further said that we are ready to negotiate openly on these two demands, but we still request that if 90 percent of the demands have been accepted, then we should also discuss the rest.