PM AJK announces wheat, electricity subsidies after Centre approve funds,
Islamabad/Muzafarabad; Anawar ul Haq swiftly accepts demands of protesters. After wheel-jam strike and violent protests against hike in electricity price and taxes entered fourth day, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq has announced that the state government accepted all demands of the Awami Action Committee (AAC).
Addressing a press conference, he said “No one can reject two fundamental demands regarding cheap roti [bread] and electricity.
Anwar ul Haq said PM Shehbaz assured him during a telephonic conversation last night of his all-out support to address issues of the AJK people within 24 hours.
This will cost the national exchequer more than Rs23 billion, for which I am grateful to the government of Pakistan, “Anwar-ul-Haq.
The Prime Minister expressed his awareness of the current situation and said that the elected and democratic government of Azad Kashmir understands the public mandate.
He clarified that the government has no intention of suppressing the peaceful protest of the people, neither in the past nor now.
The PM said that according to the notification, the price of wheat flour has been reduced by Rs 1100 per 40 kg bag, from Rs 3100 to Rs 2000.
He said that the government also approved a reduction in electricity prices.
“The domestic consumers using up to 100 units will be charged Rs 3 per unit, while those using 101-300 units will be charged Rs 5 per unit. Consumers using more than 300 units will be charged Rs 6 per unit.
The PM continued the hard work of the Awami Joint Action Committee has paid off.
“Pakistan’s establishment played an active role in the matter, he said adding that We will reduce our expenses and give people their rights.
Haq added that more relief would come after the completion of the hydroelectric project.
He said that 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”.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the coalition government in Azad Kashmir is working to address the issues.
Government ministers were in talks with the Joint Action Committee to resolve the crisis.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that Azad Kashmir receives 300,000 tons of wheat annually from the federal government.
The Azad Kashmir government has successfully curbed the smuggling and theft of wheat, he added.
Terming the subsidies as the Pakistani government’s “special connection” with the region, Anwar said that the top political and military leadership proved its concrete relationship and respect for the AJK people. He announced that Islamabad would provide Rs23 billion in funds to the AJK government.
He gave credit to Pakistan’s establishment and the army chief for taking a special interest in resolving the problems of the AJK people.
He further said that the notification would come into effect immediately and it was a permanent arrangement that would be part of the forthcoming budget for FY2024-25.
Protests continue , leading to food shortage, troubles for tourists,
Earlier today, the AAC protestors decided to continue march on Muzaffarabad, refusing to go home despite the approval of a Rs23 billion grant by PM Shehbaz on an urgent basis to resolve issues of people in the AJK.
The development came after violent protests erupted in the AJK on AAC’s call against inflated electricity bills and taxes.
A meeting presided by the PM that approved the grant was summoned over unrest in AJK. It was presided by the PM and attended by federal ministers and leaders of the allied parties. It reviewed the developing situation of the territory thoroughly.
The Kashmiri leadership and participants of the meeting thanked the premier for the financial aid.
Meanwhile, AJK Chief Secretary Muhammad Usman Chachar said a deal regarding the AAC’s demands had been reached. He told that internet services in AJK were also restored.
PM approves Rs23bn aid package for AJK; protest leaders cautious
The AAC called for a shutter down and wheel-jam strike across the state to protest the electricity price hike and taxes. However, the situation escalated as the protestors and police clashed.
A sub-inspector was killed while dozens other policemen and protesters also got injured during the teargas shelling by the police and stone pelting by the demonstrators.
The violent protesters damaged multiple vehicles, including a magistrate’s car at the Poonch-Kotli road. Moreover, markets, trade centres, offices and schools and restaurants remained closed across the AJK.
The government of AJK called in the Rangers and AJK police after clashes between the police and protestors erupted in Mirpur during demonstrations that killed a cop and injured more than 70 others a couple of days ago.
Police also launched a crackdown against the protesters after the events of violence, arresting dozens of individuals in the AJK capital.
Anawar ul Haq swiftly accepts demands of protesters
A day earlier, the government also suspended mobile phone and internet services in different parts of AJK including Bhimber and Bagh Towns. Meanwhile, in Mirpur, all the mobile networks and internet service had also been suspended.
Expressing deep concerns over the violent clashes between the AJK police and the protesters, PM Shehbaz on Sunday said that there should be “absolutely no tolerance for taking the law in one’s own hands”.
The premier further said that he had spoken to AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and also directed all Pakistan Muslim League-N office bearers in AJK to talk to the leaders of the action committee.
AJK govt, Joint Action Committee reach successful negotiations
“I urge all parties to resort to peaceful course of action for resolution of their demands. Despite best efforts of detractors, the matter will hopefully be settled soon.”
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(Mudasser Chuhdary /Shoaib Mehmood/Webdesk/Specials Correspondents)
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