Muzaffarabad, Pakistan Administered Kashmir — Negotiations between the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) and a high-powered Pakistani government committee ended in stalemate late Saturday, with the protest group reaffirming its call for a statewide wheel jam and shutter down strike on June 9, alongside a long march.

The marathon talks, held at a private hotel in Muzaffarabad, stretched late into the night but failed to produce a breakthrough on the contentious issue of twelve reserved seats for Kashmiri refugees in the Legislative Assembly — a demand that has emerged as the focal point of the ongoing political standoff.

Talks Collapse, Protest Call Stands

In a brief statement issued after the negotiations concluded, JKJAAC core member Shoukat Nawaz Mir declared the talks a failure.

“The negotiations between the high-powered committee and the Awami Action Committee have failed. Consequently, a long march will be held on June 9,” Mir announced. He appealed to the people across the territory to prepare for the long march, while adding that “all sincere efforts from the Pakistani government will be welcomed.”

Despite requests from representatives of both the Pakistani government and Pakistan Administered Kashmir government to postpone the June 9 protest, the JKJAAC decided to maintain its agitation schedule. The committee urged the public to intensify preparations for the long march.

Government: Talks Not Over, Next Round Expected

Contradicting the JKJAAC’s characterization, Pakistani government representative and Advisor to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah insisted that the negotiations were not concluded.

“Talks have not ended. We will meet again next week,” Sanaullah told the media. He revealed that both sides had exchanged proposals during the session, and that the Pakistan Administered Kashmir government would convene an All Parties Conference (APC) to build consensus among all stakeholders.

According to Sanaullah, the next meeting is expected to take place by June 6 or 7. He also clarified that elections in Pakistan Administered Kashmir would proceed as constitutionally scheduled, with efforts underway to resolve outstanding issues before the election timetable is announced.

On the refugee seats controversy, Sanaullah remained non-committal, stating that “a decision on this matter will be made at the All Parties Conference. At this stage, I cannot say anything definitive from my side.”

The Refugee Seats Dispute: Constitutional Amendment Required

The most divisive issue on the table remains the future of twelve seats in the Legislative Assembly reserved for Kashmiri refugees residing in various parts of Pakistan. The JKJAAC has demanded their abolition, arguing that the arrangement undermines local representation.

Pakistani Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam has maintained that immediate action is impossible, as any change requires a constitutional amendment in the Pakistan Administered Kashmir Assembly — a process demanding a two-thirds majority, or support from at least 35 members.

“No bill has been presented in the Assembly on this matter so far, indicating that the legal process has not even reached its initial stages,” Muqam noted.

However, JKJAAC leader Shoukat Nawaz Mir has claimed that the required political support for the amendment already exists. He argued that even if refugee seat representatives do not vote in favor, the necessary majority can still be secured. Citing a precedent, he pointed to a previous Prime Ministerial election where 48 members cast their votes, suggesting that broad political backing can be mobilized on critical occasions.

Political observers interpret this assertion as an indication that the JKJAAC may have received behind-the-scenes assurances that progress on the issue is achievable.

Background: The October 4, 2025 Agreement

The current deadlock centers on the implementation of an agreement reached on October 4, 2025, which the JKJAAC claims has been met with governmental delays and obstructions. Saturday’s talks reportedly saw discussions on various proposals related to this agreement, though no consensus emerged.

Election Context Adds Urgency

The negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of anticipated general elections in Pakistan Administered Kashmir, widely expected to be held in July 2026, though the Election Commission has yet to announce an official schedule.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has already announced its candidates, accelerating political activity across the territory. The JKJAAC has set a deadline of May 31 for the acceptance of its demands, warning of further measures if its calls go unheeded.

What’s Next

With the JKJAAC maintaining its June 9 protest call and the Pakistani government planning an APC and follow-up talks within the first week of June, the coming days will be critical in determining whether a negotiated settlement can be reached — or whether the territory heads toward heightened political confrontation on the streets of Muzaffarabad and beyond.