Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took swift action on Monday, approving the immediate provision of Rs23 billion to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following recent clashes and protests in the region.
The unrest stemmed from demands put forth by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), primarily centered around electricity pricing based on hydropower generation cost, subsidized wheat flour, and an end to privileges enjoyed by the elite class.
Tensions escalated when police arrested around 70 activists on May 9 and 10 to thwart a planned long march by the JAAC. This led to serious clashes in Dadyal and a subsequent “shutter-down strike.”
The situation deteriorated further, with fierce clashes erupting between police and protesters in various parts of Muzaffarabad amid a crippling strike.
The following day witnessed violent confrontations, resulting in one police official’s death and over 90 others sustaining injuries as the protest intensified across AJK.
Despite efforts to reach an agreement between the JAAC and the AJK government, talks ended in a stalemate, prompting the resumption of protests, including a march on Muzaffarabad.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz pledged to address the legitimate demands of the protesters, urging all parties to seek resolution through dialogue while maintaining restraint.
In response to the unrest, government offices and educational institutions remained closed.
Prime Minister Sharif convened a special meeting in Islamabad, attended by AJK PM Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, local ministers, and key political figures. Federal ministers and coalition party leaders also participated, conducting a thorough review of the situation.
The decision to allocate funds was met with appreciation from AJK leaders and all participants, signaling a step towards addressing the grievances and restoring calm in the region.
