Shehbaz approves Rs23bn after violent AJK protests

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Monday chaired a special meeting here on the current situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and approved immediate release of Rs23 billion to help the AJK government solve the problems of the people.

The meeting was attended by the AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and the top political leadership. The ministers and leaders of the coalition parties also participated in the meeting. The Kashmiri leadership and other participants thanked the prime minister for approving the funds.

Meanwhile, as the wheel-jam strike and violent protests against hike in the electricity price and taxes entered fourth day, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq Monday announced that the state government had accepted all demands of the Awami Action Committee (AAC).

“No one can reject two fundamental demands: cheap roti [bread] and electricity,” Anwar said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had assured the AJK government of his all-out support to address the issues facing the people.

He clarified that neither the government had intentions to disrupt the peaceful struggle of the AJK people nor would it try to impact any such struggle in future. He said the government exhibited tolerance and patience despite violations of the law and added that more than 100 policemen were wounded in violent clashes with the protesters, whereas, not a “single marcher was injured”.

Accepting all demands placed by the AAC, the AJK government issued a notification regarding subsidies on power and food commodities. He hoped that peace would be restored in the region after implementation of the much-anticipated notifications.

Terming subsidies as the Pakistan government’s ‘special connection’ with the region, Anwar said the top political and military leadership proved its concrete relationship and respect for the AJK people.

He announced that Islamabad will provide Rs23 billion funds to the AJK government. He gave credit for this to the establishment and the army chief for taking special interest in resolving the problems of the AJK people.

He further said that the notification will come into effect immediately and it was a permanent arrangement which would be part of forthcoming budget for FY2024-25. As per the notification, the flour price has been reduced from Rs3,100 to Rs2,000 per 40 kilograms.

Subsequently, the electricity prices will be Rs3 per unit for usage between 1-100 units, Rs5 per unit for usage between 100-300 units and Rs6 per unit for the 300-above slab. The commercial rates of electricity have been fixed at Rs10 per unit for 1-300 unit slab and for the slab of 300 or above, the rate has been fixed at Rs15 per unit.

Despite the notification of subsidies and government’s assurances, clashes between the AAC protestors with the ‘law-enforcement agencies’ continued in Muzaffarabad. A man was injured during the clashes, who later succumbed to his wounds.

It may be noted that a policeman was also killed during clashes on Saturday. A total of three persons have been killed during the clashes. The AAC protesters had decided to continue the march on Muzaffarabad, refusing to go home despite the approval of Rs23 billion grant by PM Shehbaz on an urgent basis.

The development came after violent protests erupted in the AJK on AAC’s call against the inflated electricity bills and taxes. Meanwhile, AJK Chief Secretary Muhammad Usman Chachar said a deal regarding the AAC’s demands had been reached. He said the internet services in AJK had also been restored.