The Pakistani government has reached an agreement with protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), finally ending days of violent demonstrations that claimed several lives.

Protests Erupt After Talks Collapse

The unrest began on September 29, 2025, after negotiations broke down between government officials and the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC). The committee had presented a 38-point charter of demands, urging authorities to take action. However, when talks failed, the protesters took to the streets, leading to violent clashes.

As a result, at least 10 people, including three police officers, lost their lives, while hundreds of civilians and policemen were injured.

Earlier, tensions had already been rising after 30 civilians were killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during airstrikes by Pakistan Air Force JF-17 fighter jets, reportedly using Chinese-made LS-6 laser-guided bombs, according to All India Radio.

Government Steps In to Restore Order

In response to the growing unrest, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent a high-powered delegation to Muzaffarabad on October 1, 2025, to find a peaceful solution. The team, led by former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, held intense discussions with JKJAAC leaders for two consecutive days.

Eventually, the talks concluded around midnight, resulting in a breakthrough. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry announced the agreement on social media, saying, “Negotiating delegation has signed the final agreement with the Action Committee…. The protesters are returning to their homes. All roads have been reopened. This is a victory for peace.”

Key Points of the Peace Agreement

Under the 25-point agreement, both sides committed to restoring peace and addressing key public demands. The main points include:

• Compensation for families of those killed in the clashes.

• Legal action against those involved in violence and vandalism.

• Creation of two new education boards for Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions.

• Implementation of health cards within 15 days to ensure free medical care.

• Installation of MRI and CT scan machines in all PoK districts.

• Federal allocation of PKR 10 billion to upgrade PoK’s electricity infrastructure.

Calm Returns, But Challenges Remain

Following the deal, protesters began returning home, and roads were reopened, bringing relief to the tense region. The government hailed the agreement as a “victory for peace”, marking the end of a week-long standoff.

However, despite the truce, residents remain skeptical. Many believe that long-standing issues like poor governance, corruption, and inflation still need urgent attention.