Islamabad: The opposition alliance Tehreek i Tahafuz Ayin i Pakistan (TTAP) called for an immediate resumption of negotiations between the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) after renewed unrest and reported clashes in Rawalakot.
In a statement issued on Monday, the alliance condemned the alleged use of excessive force against protesters and demanded that authorities address public grievances through dialogue.
The TTAP also claimed that its delegation, traveling to AJK to meet protesters and assess conditions, was stopped at Kahuta and prevented from continuing.
Alliance spokesperson Hussein Ahmed Yousafzai questioned the decision, arguing that preventing a peaceful political delegation from meeting with affected communities undermined democratic rights and freedom of movement.
The government did not publicly explain the alleged restriction in the reports reviewed.
Opposition demands inquiry into reported casualties
The TTAP accused the authorities of abandoning negotiations with the JAAC and relying on force instead of addressing the protesters’ demands.
It called for an independent and transparent investigation into reported civilian deaths, injuries and allegations of excessive force.
The alliance demanded immediate medical assistance for injured people, legal access for detainees and compensation for damage to public and private property.
It also urged authorities to return the bodies of those reportedly killed to their families without delay.
The TTAP said restricting political delegations and continuing arrests could further intensify tensions.
The reported civilian casualties and allegations against security personnel were not independently verified.
Rangers’ official dies following Rawalakot incident
Separately, AJK Police confirmed that Sindh Rangers official Naik Bostan Khan died on Sunday from injuries sustained during an incident at a police post in Rawalakot on November 5.
According to the police spokesperson, Khan belonged to Kohat and was deployed to support local law enforcement personnel.
Police condemned the attack and said those responsible would be brought to justice.
The development highlights the competing accounts surrounding the unrest, with protesters alleging excessive state force and authorities reporting attacks against security personnel.
Dispute over reforms remains unresolved.
The latest unrest is linked to a prolonged protest movement led by the JAAC, which demanded governance reforms, the abolition of 12 seats reserved for refugees in the AJK Legislative Assembly, changes to the quota system and an end to privileges enjoyed by political officeholders.
No agreement to resume formal talks was announced in the reports reviewed. The central question remains whether the authorities and protest representatives can establish a mutually acceptable negotiating process while addressing allegations of violence and outstanding political demands.
