ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved an urgent grant of Rs23 billion to address issues in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). This decision follows protests in AJK led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC) against high electricity bills and taxes.
The grant was approved during a special meeting chaired by the Prime Minister in Islamabad to address the unrest in AJK. Federal ministers and leaders from allied parties attended the meeting, where they discussed the situation in AJK in detail. The Kashmiri leadership and meeting participants expressed gratitude to PM Shehbaz for the grant.
Among those present at the meeting were AJK President Barrister Sultan Mehmood, AJK PM Anwarul Haq, PML-N leader Raja Farooq Haider, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam, Minister for Energy Awais Leghari, and other political leaders.
The meeting was called by PM Shehbaz to address the ongoing situation in AJK following unsuccessful negotiations between protesters and the government.
Earlier, a long march organized by the AAC began its journey to the AJK capital, Muzaffarabad, on the fourth day of a wheel-jam strike. Protesters staged sit-ins, blocking the Kohala–Muzaffarabad Road at various points. The road, spanning 40 kilometers and connecting Kohala town with Muzaffarabad, is expected to be used by protesters from Dhirkot to reach the capital.
Due to clashes between police and protesters in Mirpur, where a police officer was killed and more than 70 others were injured, the AJK government deployed Rangers and police forces. Heavy police presence was observed at roundabouts and sensitive areas, while markets, trade centers, and educational institutions remained closed, and transportation was suspended.
PM Shehbaz expressed concern over the violent clashes, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law. He communicated with AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and directed PML-N officials in AJK to engage with AAC leaders.
He urged all parties to pursue peaceful means to address their grievances, expressing hope for a prompt resolution despite challenges.
