Historic Peace Agreement Signed to Resolve Azad Kashmir Crisis

Muzaffarabad, Islamabad – Following directives from Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, a historic agreement has been reached to end the ongoing tensions in Azad Kashmir peacefully. The negotiations, held in Muzaffarabad, included representatives from the Government of Pakistan, Azad Kashmir government, and the Joint Action Committee (JAC). The talks were chaired by former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, with participation from federal ministers Rana Sanaullah, Ahsan Iqbal, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Engineer Amir Muqam, and Qamar Zaman Kaira. Azad Kashmir government was represented by Faisal Mumtaz Rathore and Diwan Ali Chughtai, while Raja Amjad Advocate, Shaukat Nawaz Mir, and Anjum Zaman spoke on behalf of the JAC.

The agreement comprises 12 fundamental and 13 additional points. It includes registering cases under the Anti-Terrorism Act against violent incidents, with the formation of judicial commissions if necessary. Families of those killed during the October 1-2 incidents will receive compensation equal to security personnel, injured individuals will be given Rs. 1 million in financial aid, and government jobs will be provided to the families within 20 days.

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Other key points include the establishment of two new educational boards in Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions linked to the Federal Education Board Islamabad. Land possession will be granted to those affected by the Mangla Dam expansion project within 30 days. Amendments to the Local Government Act of 1990 will be made within 90 days. The Azad Kashmir government will release funds within 15 days for health cards, and MRI and CT scan machines will be gradually provided in every district.

The Government of Pakistan will allocate Rs. 10 billion to improve the electricity system in Azad Kashmir. The cabinet size will be limited to 20 ministers or advisors, with the number of secretaries capped at 20. The Accountability Bureau and Anti-Corruption Department will be merged, and the accountability act will be aligned with NAB laws. Feasibility studies for two tunnels on the Kohori/Kamsir and Chaplani Neelum roads will be prepared by the federal government.

A high-level committee will be formed to address the issue of refugee members of the assembly, with their funds and privileges suspended until the final report is submitted. Additional points include handing over cases from Banjoosa, Muzaffarabad, Palandri, Dhir Kot, Mirpur, and Rawalakot to judicial commissions, announcing a timeline for Mirpur International Airport in the current fiscal year, equalizing property transfer taxes with Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within three months, implementing the 2019 High Court decision on hydel projects, and completing feasibility studies for major water supply schemes in 10 districts.

Furthermore, the agreement calls for the establishment of operation theaters and nurseries in all tehsil headquarters hospitals, construction of bridges in Gilpur and Rehman Kotli, reduction in advance tax, merit-based open admissions in educational institutions, a water supply scheme for Kashmir Colony Dadyal, granting ownership rights to refugees in Mehndar Colony Dadyal, reassessment of transport policy according to High Court rulings, and special consideration for the use of 1300cc vehicles.

Additionally, Kashmiri protesters detained during October 2-3 will be released. To ensure implementation, a Monitoring and Implementation Committee will be chaired by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam. The committee will include Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, representatives from the Azad Kashmir government, and the Joint Action Committee. This body will be responsible for overseeing the execution of all decisions and resolving any disputes.

The agreement is being hailed as a significant step toward sustainable peace and development in Azad Kashmir.