Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chief Secretary Khushal Khan has said that maintaining law and order in Azad Kashmir is the government’s top priority.
Addressing a joint press conference on Tuesday along with Inspector General of Police Malik Liaqat Ali, the Chief Secretary shared details about the banned Joint Awami Action Committee.
The Chief secretary said he personally attended all meetings with protesters. All workable demands were implemented on the ground. Development schemes were also launched and have reached the tender stage.
He added that demands which were possible under law were accepted. However, some demands could not be fulfilled as they were against state and legal interests.
On financial matters, the Chief Secretary said the committee’s demand to remove advance tax was rejected. He said this would have caused a loss of Rs 35 billion to the region.
He also said the Government of Pakistan is currently providing around Rs 350 billion in financing to Azad Kashmir. This support helps maintain subsidies on electricity and wheat.
The Chief Secretary said protests had continued for months over electricity bills, wheat prices, and administrative issues. The government later announced major relief packages on these issues.
He added that even after relief, the movement continued and took a more political direction.
He said new demands were raised later, including removal of the “accession to Pakistan” clause from the 1974 Act and oath documents. He called it legally and constitutionally impossible.
He also said demands were made to abolish 12 seats reserved for refugees, which were also rejected.
The Chief Secretary said the negotiation team from Pakistan faced a hostile attitude during talks. He said threats were also issued to march towards Muzaffarabad and Islamabad.
The IG said law and order was severely disturbed. He alleged attacks on police and incidents of violence. He also said evidence of such incidents was shared with the media.
He said a goods truck was also set on fire. However, people in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur supported law enforcement and distanced themselves from protesters.
Pakistan Zindabad rally held in Muzaffarabad: Public rejects banned JAAC
