PML(N) softens on PoK protesters, offers JAAC talks before taking power

Islamabad,UPDATED: Aug 9, 2026 14:56 IST

The PML(N), led by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his brother Nawaz Sharif, appears to be softening its stand towards protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir ahead of taking charge of the so-called government there after months of violence. Prime Minister's adviser Rana Sanaullah said on Saturday that 99 per cent of the protesters were "patriotic" people and that the party would soon open talks with representatives of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

The remarks came ahead of the third phase of the so-called elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where the establishment-backed PML(N) has already crossed the majority mark. The region has seen protests for more than two months, followed by a security crackdown, allegations of rigging and growing concern from rights groups and the UN over the situation.

Addressing a rally on Saturday, Sanaullah said, "Ninety-nine per cent of those associated with the Joint Awami Action Committee are our patriotic brothers." He added, "When the PML(N) government will be formed with two-third majority, it will sit with [Joint Awami] Action Committee representatives. Their first task will be to resolve this issue." Till a few days ago, the party had maintained that members of the banned Tehrik-e Taliban were present among the protesters to justify the government's action against them.

In the first two phases of the polls, the PML(N) won 25 seats, crossing the majority mark in the so-called assembly, which has 45 elected seats. The polls have been marked by widespread violence and allegations of massive rigging. For the PML(N), the contest has mainly been against the PPP, its ally in the federal government. In the third and final phase, voting is due on four seats on Monday, while elections in seven constituencies have been postponed indefinitely.

India maintains that the entire Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of the country. New Delhi has also said that Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of parts of these Union Territories.

The JAAC, which has led the protests, includes students, traders, transporters, lawyers and social workers, among others. The regional government banned the group in June. Its main demand has been the abolition of 12 contentious refugee seats in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The JAAC has alleged that the establishment uses these seats to install a so-called prime minister of its choice in the region.

The protests led to a severe crackdown by security forces. Amnesty and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan have raised concerns over reports of violence and called on the authorities to investigate the incidents. Tensions rose further after the three-phase elections began on July 27. On August 7, the UN also expressed concern over the security situation and underlined the need for accountability for action against people engaged in peaceful protest.

The JAAC has alleged that more than 40 people, including women and children, were killed after the elections began, and that 400 protesters have been killed since the first week of June. The Pakistan government has denied any civilian deaths and dismissed the JAAC's figures as "overly exaggerated". As the final phase of polling approaches, the PML(N) is seeking to form the so-called government while also promising talks with protest leaders amid continued tensions in the region.

With PTI Inputs

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