ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed dismay over the “unfortunate events” in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in recent months, adding that, however, the law took its course.

The remarks came during a ceremony in Islamabad that saw four AJK Council members — nominated by the AJK Legislative Assembly —administered oath of office by PM Shehbaz, who is the chairman of the council.

Referring to the “unfortunate events” in recent months in AJK, he said: “We all regretted it, wished that they did not do that. We all tried to make them understand with utter seriousness”.

The premier did not name anyone specifically, but was seemingly referring to protests by the now-proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

The government and the JAAC have been at odds over various issues, most notably the committee’s demand to abolish the 12 refugee seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, which resulted in violence-marred protests across the region.

In his address, PM Shehbaz recalled that an all-parties conference was held in Muzaffarabad where “everyone spoke freely, though they were absent”.

He said it was agreed during the meeting that after elections in the region, the new legislative assembly’s decision or the law passed by it, through consensus or majority, would be respected — an apparent reference to a decision on refugee seats.

“But, unfortunately, they did not accept this noble suggestion. Nevertheless, the law took its course. […] Pakistan had to fulfil its political and legal obligations given that forces were working against Pakistan and the Kashmir cause on a foreign agenda,” the prime minister said.

He also spoke about the four-day military conflict with India in May last year, saying that the Pakistani military, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, had played a “historical role” and taught the adversary “a lesson that it can never forget”.

“I, once again, pay tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces and CDF Munir and congratulate them.”

At the onset of his address, he congratulated the newly-elected members of the AJK Council.

“This council is a bridge between Pakistan and AJK. It is my honour to have this opportunity to make this bridge stronger.

“We will work harder for the progress of AJK and serve the people of AJK.” He also called on the AJK president and prime minister to fulfil their constitutional duties and resolve the public’s issues.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2026