Pakistan: Deal ends days of Kashmir violent protests
October 4, 2025
A civil rights alliance on Saturday called off protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir after reaching a deal with Pakistani authorities.
The announcement brings an end to days of violent protests that left at least 10 people dead.
Under the deal, the regional government led by Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq agreed to accept the alliance's demands, including cheaper wheat and reduced electricity tariffs.
It also pledged to improve health, education, and other public sectors, as well as to reduce the size of the Cabinet.
Shaukat Nawaz Mir, the alliance's leader, called on the protesters to disperse in Muzaffarabad, the region's capital.
"I am grateful to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the whole of Pakistan for understanding our problems and agreeing to resolve them," he told reporters.
What happened in Pakistan-administered Kashmir?
On Monday, thousands of protesters from nearby towns first converged on Muzaffarabad.
The protests were led by Awami Action Committee (AAC), a civil rights organization formed to fight for local rights.
Demonstrators were demanding an end to lucrative benefits for the political class, such as free electricity and expensive cars.
The protests triggered clashes with security forces. Seven civilians and three police officers were killed, according to Khawaja Amiruddin, a local police officer.
The breakthrough came two days after Sharif had sent a high-level delegation to Muzaffarabad for talks with AAC leaders.
"Public interest and peace are our priorities, and we will continue to serve Azad Kashmir," Sharif said in a statement.
Similar protests erupted last year
In 2024, there were similar deadly protests in the region, with four people killed.
While the government was forced to concede to some demands, alliance leaders said most of the promises were not fulfilled.
However, they hope that the deal will be implemented within the agreed time frame this time.
Kashmir, the disputed Himalayan territory, is claimed in full by Pakistan and neighboring India.
The region has been divided between the two countries since their independence from Britain in 1947.
Edited by: Sean Sinico