A shared future of Pakistan and Kashmiris

Recent clashes between law enforcement agencies and members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC)in the Rawalakot and Kotli districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have created a deeply troubling situation. Large gatherings organized by the JAAC in Rawalakot over the past several days have further heightened tensions. Tragically, confrontations between protesters and security personnel have resulted in loss of life and injuries on both sides.The evolving situation serves neither the interests of Pakistan nor those of the people of Kashmir. It also provides an opportunity for hostile actors to exploit the unrest through misinformation and disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining Pakistan and its institutions. At this critical juncture, dialogue and negotiation remain the only viable path forward. Pakistan and the people of Kashmir share bonds that are historical, cultural, and emotional; therefore, resolving disagreements through peaceful engagement is imperative. This is not the first time the JAAC has mobilized public demonstrations. Significant protests were witnessed in May 2024 and October 2025 during the tenure of former AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq. These movements reflected longstanding public grievances regarding governance, economic hardships, and administrative responsiveness.A key criticism of successive AJK governments has been their inability to address public concerns in a timely and effective manner. The failure to engage constructively with protest leaders allowed tensions to escalate unnecessarily. The resulting clashes, which led to deaths and injuries, could arguably have been avoided through earlier dialogue and a more measured administrative response. At the same time, instances of violence during protests further complicated an already volatile situation. The crisis has exposed a growing disconnect between segments of the population and the governing institutions of AJK. Whether this reflects administrative inefficiency,