LAHORE: PML-N President Nawaz Sha­­rif on Wednesday expressed concern over the political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), urging protesters to end sit-ins and demonstrations and engage in meaningful dialogue with the government.

“Under the Interim Constitution Act of 1974, the people of AJK enjoy full civil liberties and democratic rights. I urge them to end sit-ins and protests and instead engage in meaningful dialogue,” the elder Sharif told a meeting convened in Lahore to deliberate the political and administrative situation in Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by senior leaders of the PML-N from AJK. PML-N central spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb later issued a statement.

The party’s AJK chapter had urged the three-time prime minister to address the emerging situation in Kashmir and play his role in resolving it.

Calls for meaningful dialogue to resolve issues

“I hope that the people of AJK, the AJK government, the government of Pakistan, and all political parties will collectively contribute to restoring peace in the region and advancing the electoral process,” said the ex-PM according to the statement, referring to the AJK elections due at the end of next month.

He also stressed that all available resou­rces should be utilised for the welfare of the people of AJK, and that any movement for public rights should be conducted within the constitutional framework.

AJK recently witnessed political and soc­ial tensions, including public protests over issues such as the 12 reserved refugee seats in the legislative assembly, inflation, electricity tariffs and the rising cost of living.

Taking stock of the situation, the PML-N president said that the party had always maintained a clear and principled stance on the Kashmir issue. He said the people of the region should be granted their right to self-determination in accordance with the UN resolutions.

“We have always prioritised the constitutional and fundamental rights of the people of AJK, as well as the region’s development and prosperity,” he said, adding that the PML-N would continue to play its full role in cooperation with “all democratic forces”.

The party leader expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, including both officials and civilians, in recent incidents. “Such a situation should never have arisen. This country belongs to all of us, and we must live together as brothers,” he said, adding that the people of Kashmir had rendered unparalleled sacrifices for Pakistan.

“Pakistan has always regarded the Kashmiri struggle as its own and has consistently supported it. I appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to maintain their ideological and emotional bond with Pakistan and remain peaceful,” he said.

Referring to the prevailing regional circumstances, he said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government and the country’s defence institutions had achieved remarkable successes.

“In light of these achievements, there is a need to promote brotherhood, harmony and tolerance in both Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir,” he said and cautioned against becoming part of any activity that could undermine these objectives.

The PML-N president returned to Lahore on Tuesday after spending about three weeks in Switzerland and Saudi Arabia.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026