— Decision taken in wake of negotiations between protesters, AJK government
— PM Shehbaz emphasizes need for zero tolerance towards vigilantism
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has swiftly sanctioned a Rs23 billion grant to address the pressing issues faced by the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
This decision follows widespread protests organized by the Awami Action Committee (AAC) against inflated electricity bills and taxes in AJK.
The approval of the grant took place during a special meeting chaired by the Prime Minister in Islamabad, specifically convened to address the unrest in AJK. Federal ministers and leaders of allied parties participated in the meeting, where the evolving situation in the territory was thoroughly reviewed. The Kashmiri leadership and meeting participants expressed gratitude to PM Shehbaz for the timely grant.
In attendance were AJK President Barrister Sultan Mehmood, AJK PM Anwarul Haq, PML-N leader Raja Farooq Haider, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam, Minister for Energy Awais Leghari, and other prominent political figures.
The meeting was called in response to the ongoing situation in AJK, particularly after negotiations between protesters and the government reached an impasse.
Earlier in the day, a long march organized by the AAC commenced its journey towards the AJK capital, Muzaffarabad, on the fourth day of the wheel-jam strike. Protesters staged sit-ins, disrupting the Kohala–Muzaffarabad Road at various points. This vital road link, spanning 40 kilometers and connecting Kohala town to Muzaffarabad, was affected by the protests.
In light of clashes between police and protesters in Mirpur, which resulted in the tragic death of a police officer and injuries to over 70 individuals, the AJK government deployed Rangers and AJK police. Subsequently, heavy police contingents were stationed at key locations, with markets, trade centers, and educational institutions shuttered, and transportation services halted.
Expressing deep concern over the violent clashes, PM Shehbaz emphasized the need for zero tolerance towards vigilantism. He directed dialogue between PML-N office bearers in AJK and AAC leaders, urging all parties to seek peaceful resolutions to their demands.
The protests in AJK, initially triggered by the AAC’s call for a shutter-down strike against electricity price hikes and taxes, escalated into clashes between protesters and police. The violence resulted in casualties and widespread disruption across AJK, prompting police crackdowns and the suspension of mobile phone and internet services in affected areas.
The government’s swift action through the grant allocation underscores its commitment to addressing the grievances of the people of AJK and restoring peace and normalcy in the region.
