Political dynamics in Azad Jammu and Kashmir are shifting as elections near, with major parties exploring engagement with the region's leading protest group, the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Both the PPP and PML-N have intensified efforts to connect with the movement, aiming to address grievances and bolster their electoral standing. Main Developments PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari recently visited the region, meeting with key political figures including AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore. PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to travel to Mirpur tomorrow for an election rally, signaling his party's active engagement. These visits are seen as an attempt by both parties to position themselves as influential players in AJK politics, which have been dominated by JAAC protests demanding the abolition of refugee seats in the region's legislature. The protests have involved weeks of unrest and shutdowns. Read also: FCC Sets New Rules to Shield Minors' Property Rights in Courts A separate backchannel effort involved Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Chairman Syed Qamar Raza, who met with JAAC leaders in Rawlakot on Wednesday. While initially billed as an official initiative, Raza later described the engagement as a "personal initiative" aimed at persuading the group to abandon violence. Background The JAAC, a proscribed group, has led sustained protests in AJK over the past months, focusing on the issue of refugee seats in the regional assembly. The protests have included shutter-down strikes and public demonstrations, disrupting daily life in cities like Muzaffarabad. The group's grievances center on political representation and what they describe as the marginalization of Kashmiris. The protests have drawn attention from both federal and regional political actors, as AJK prepares for upcoming elections. Why It Matters The engagement by the PPP and PML-N reflects a recognition that the JAAC's influence could sway electoral outcomes in AJK. By addressing the group's demands or at least opening dialogue, these parties aim to reduce unrest and secure voter support. The situation also highlights broader tensions between Islamabad's authority and regional autonomy in AJK. The involvement of the OPF chairman, with his stated focus on diaspora welfare, underscores the transnational dimensions of the protest movement. What's Next Nawaz Sharif's rally in Mirpur tomorrow will be closely watched for any direct outreach to the JAAC or policy signals. The PPP may also announce further engagement plans as the election campaign intensifies. The backchannel contacts, though framed as personal by Qamar Raza, could lead to more formal negotiations if the JAAC responds positively. Meanwhile, the group's protest activities may continue or escalate depending on political outcomes.