Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today expressed deep concern and taken serious notice of the situation in Azad Kashmir, urging calm among the public. He emphasized that while peaceful protest is a constitutional and democratic right, demonstrators should avoid disrupting public order.

In a statement, the premier directed law enforcement agencies to exercise maximum patience and restraint in dealing with protesters. He stressed the importance of respecting public sentiments and avoiding unnecessary force. Sharif affirmed the government’s dedication to addressing the concerns of their Kashmiri brothers, pledging to resolve their grievances.

Highlighting the unfortunate incidents during recent protests, the Prime Minister called for a transparent investigation and immediate assistance for affected families. To facilitate a peaceful resolution, the government has expanded its negotiation committee to include Senator Rana Sanaullah, Federal Ministers Sardar Muhammad Yousaf and Ahsan Iqbal, former Azad Jammu and Kashmir President Masood Khan, and Qamar Zaman Kaira.

The Prime Minister directed this committee to promptly visit Muzaffarabad and work toward a swift resolution. He appealed to the Action Committee”s leadership to cooperate fully with the government”s negotiation team. The committee has been tasked with submitting its recommendations and potential solutions to the Prime Minister’s Office without delay, to ensure timely action.

Sharif also announced his intention to personally oversee the negotiation process upon his return to the country, underscoring his commitment to addressing the situation in Azad Kashmir.