Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Tuesday said the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir was under control and that authorities were taking all necessary measures to protect the lives and property of citizens.
Speaking to journalists at Parliament House, Chaudhry was asked about the law and order situation in Azad Kashmir, including recent incidents in Rawalakot and other areas.
"The situation in Azad Kashmir is under control. People's lives and property are being protected," he said.
The minister referred to an alleged audio recording that surfaced recently and claimed it was exposing what he described as an illegal organisation.
Chaudhry said the federal government had acted sincerely in addressing the demands raised by stakeholders in Azad Kashmir and had initiated implementation of those demands.
"Despite the implementation of the demands, these developments indicate that their objectives may be something else," he said.
The minister stressed that the people of Azad Kashmir had the democratic right to legislate through their elected representatives and questioned whether attempts were being made to transfer that authority elsewhere.
"Kashmiris have the right to legislate. Do they want to give the right of Kashmiris to legislate to someone else?" he asked.
Chaudhry said the federal government had made every possible effort to address issues concerning Azad Kashmir and maintain stability in the region.
Referring to reports of unrest, he said conditions in Rawalakot and other affected areas had returned to normal.
"Whether it is Rawalakot or any other area, the situation is under control and everything is normal," he said.
When asked by reporters about the number of deaths linked to recent incidents in Azad Kashmir, the minister said a detailed press release containing relevant information would be issued separately.