ISLAMABAD: PM Shehbaz has sanctioned an immediate disbursement of Rs23 billion to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following recent unrest and demonstrations in the region.
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), predominantly comprised of traders across the state, has been advocating for electricity provision at the cost of hydropower generation in AJK, subsidized wheat flour, and an end to the privileges enjoyed by the affluent class.
Between May 9 and 10, approximately 70 activists were apprehended by law enforcement in an attempt to thwart a prolonged march organized by the JAAC, leading to severe confrontations in Dadyal and a call for a general strike.
Amidst a widespread strike on Friday, intense clashes erupted between law enforcement and demonstrators in various parts of Muzaffarabad.
The subsequent day witnessed violent altercations between police forces and activists throughout AJK amidst a widespread strike, resulting in the unfortunate demise of at least one police officer and injuries to over 90 individuals.
On Sunday, with no resolution in sight between the JAAC and the AJK government, the situation initially remained calm, but the protest movement resumed its march towards Muzaffarabad.
Following a deadlock in talks between the JAAC core committee and AJK Chief Secretary Dawood Bareach in Rawalakot, prompting a protest leader from Rawalakot to accuse the government of employing evasive strategies, the movement declared its intention to march on the state capital.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz pledged to address the “legitimate demands” of the demonstrators, urging all stakeholders to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to resolve the issues.
In light of the protests, government offices and educational institutions were slated to remain shuttered.
Prime Minister Sharif convened a special session in Islamabad today, attended by AJK PM Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, local ministers, and prominent political figures, as per a statement from the PM’s Office (PMO).
Federal ministers and representatives of coalition parties also participated in the meeting, which involved a comprehensive assessment of the situation, the statement added.
PM Shehbaz’s decision received accolades from AJK leaders and all attendees, the PMO noted.
Subsequently, the AJK premier announced that the funds would facilitate the provision of subsidies to the region.
He disclosed that the subsidized rate for 40 kilograms of flour would be reduced to Rs2,000 from Rs3,100, during a press briefing.
Subsidies and Tariff Adjustments
Additionally, he unveiled a significant reduction in electricity tariffs, emphasizing that this adjustment would be permanent.
A notification from the AJK Energy and Water Resources Department outlined the approved tariffs for domestic and commercial users:
1-100 units: Rs3 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for domestic users
100-300 units: Rs5/kWh for domestic users
1-300 units: Rs10/kWh for commercial users
300+ units: Rs6/kWh for domestic users, Rs15/kWh for commercial users