ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the agreement reached between the negotiation committee and the Awami Action Committee in Azad Kashmir.
On Friday the government’s negotiation committee and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have struck an agreement, bringing an end to weeks of unrest that had triggered violent protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The Prime Minister praised the individual and collective efforts of the committee members, saying that the restoration of peace and return to normalcy in Azad Kashmir is a positive development.
He said that conspiracies and rumours have finally ended, and all matters have been resolved amicably.
Government, Awami Action Committee Talks Succeed
Shehbaz Sharif assured that the government is always ready to address the issues of the Kashmiri people. He added that public interest and peace are the government’s priority, and the service of Azad Kashmir will continue.
The Prime Minister urged Kashmiris not to pay attention to rumours, saying their rights have been and will continue to be protected. He further stated that the government has always remained attentive to the problems of Azad Kashmir and has worked to resolve them.
KEY POINTS OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE FEDERAL MINISTERS’ COMMITTEE AND THE JAAC:
- Cases under anti-terrorism laws will be filed for deaths in violent incidents.
- Compensation will be given to the families of those who died on 1st and 2nd October.
- Families of protesters will receive the same compensation as the families of officials.
- Injured individuals will receive Rs 1 million each.
- One member of the family of a deceased protester will be given a 20-day government job.
- Two additional Secondary Education Boards will be established in Muzaffarabad and Poonch within 30 days.
- All three AJK Secondary Boards will be linked with the Federal Board.
- The existing Local Government Act will be restored within 90 days in accordance with judicial rulings.
- AJK government will release funds for the health card within 15 days.
- MRI and CT scan machines will be provided in all districts of AJK with federal funding.
- Pakistan government will provide Rs10 billion to improve the electricity system in AJK.
- The size of the AJK cabinet will be reduced to 20 ministers and advisers.
- The number of administrative secretaries will not exceed 20.
- Civil defence departments will be merged into the SDMA.
- The Accountability Bureau and Anti-Corruption Establishment will be merged.
- AJK’s Accountability Act will be aligned with Pakistan’s NAB laws.
- Feasibility reports for two tunnels in AJK will be prepared by the Pakistan government.
- The project will be prioritised under the Saudi Development Fund as per PC-1 guidelines.
- A high-powered committee of legal and constitutional experts will be formed.
- The committee will consult on members selected from outside AJK.
- Until the committee submits its final report, the privileges of these members will remain suspended.
- Funding, ministry status, and other perks for these members will remain on hold until the final report is submitted.
