Shahbaz appeals for ‘peace' after deadly clashes in AJK

Days of violent clashes between anti-government protesters and police have gripped Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on the border with India, with nine confirmed killed among scant news to emerge after an internet blackout.

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Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif sent a delegation to the region’s capital for talks with the protest leaders, officials said.

In a statement, Shahbaz appealed for calm and asked the police to exercise restraint. He also said his government was committed to addressing public grievances in Kashmir.

Thousands first took to the streets of Muzaffarabad on Monday, demanding an end to lucrative benefits for the political class, such as free electricity and expensive cars.

Internet and mobile phone services have been blocked in the towering mountain valley, and local media were warned earlier by authorities against covering the daily demonstrations.

Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, a minister in Sharif's Cabinet, wrote on X that talks with representatives of the Awami Action Committee were underway in Muzaffarabad.

At the same time local authorities reported a convoy of buses and cars was seen moving toward Muzaffarabad, the regional capital, for another mass protest. The developments came a day after thousands of demonstrators armed with sticks and guns attacked police officers deployed in various parts of the region to keep roads open and guard government buildings.