A lengthy round of negotiations between a federal ministerial delegation and the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) concluded in Muzaffarabad without reaching a final agreement, leading the committee to maintain its planned strike on June 9.The discussions lasted for more than nine hours and focused on resolving a 38-point charter of demands presented by the JAAC.

According to participants, almost all issues were discussed, but the most contentious matter remained the proposed abolition of 12 legislative assembly seats reserved for Pakistan-based refugees from India-held Kashmir.This issue continued to block a comprehensive settlement between the two sides.

JAAC leaders stated that government representatives requested postponement of the strike, but the organisation decided to keep its protest schedule unchanged while remaining open to further dialogue.

The talks were attended by senior representatives from Pakistan’s federal government, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government.Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam did not participate, following objections from JAAC regarding his role.The failure to secure an agreement has raised concerns about political stability in AJK ahead of general elections that are expected later in July.

However, federal representatives, including Rana Sanaullah, insisted that negotiations have not collapsed and described the discussions as constructive.

They announced plans for an all-parties conference involving the AJK government and opposition parties, with another round of negotiations expected before the strike date.Government officials expressed confidence that the dispute could still be resolved before the upcoming elections.