AJK Prime Minister Says State Facing a Serious Test, Situation ‘Not Good’

Islamabad: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has said that he cannot claim the current situation in the region is satisfactory, describing the state as being in the midst of a serious test.

Speaking to Geo News, Rathore said that the lives lost during recent protests were invaluable and could not be replaced. He recalled that 14 people had lost their lives during previous unrest despite efforts to resolve issues through negotiations.

The AJK premier stated that his warnings and proposals were not adequately considered by the action committee at the time. He further claimed that the committee had declined the involvement of the AJK government in the reconciliation process and insisted on holding talks directly with the federal government.

Rathore said that criticism is now being directed at the AJK government, despite the fact that many commitments made under previous agreements had already been fulfilled by the regional administration. He noted that matters pending at the federal level had been included in the latest budget.

The prime minister emphasized that the state would uphold its authority and urged protesters to call off their demonstrations, assuring them that dialogue remained open. He added that ordinary people often become part of movements in good faith after being presented with promises and expectations by others.

Rathore reiterated the government’s willingness to engage in discussions and seek peaceful solutions to ongoing issues.