Government Pushes for Peace Amidst Kashmir Unrest

A government delegation has engaged in talks with protest leaders in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to resolve conflicts that have turned violent and claimed nine lives, including six civilians and three police officers. Hundreds more have sustained injuries after demonstrators called for a strike.

In response to the unrest, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dispatched a team of ministers and leaders, led by former premier Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, to negotiate with the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry assured that most demands were accepted, emphasizing a non-violent approach.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressed alarm over the violence, condemning the use of excessive force and communication blackouts. They stressed the importance of dialogue, condemning political disenfranchisement, and advocating for the people's right to peaceful protest.

(With inputs from agencies.)