MUZAFFARABAD/ISLAMABAD; Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday welcomed the landmark agreement reached between the federal government and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), calling it a significant step toward restoring peace and stability in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The agreement was finalized after days of unrest and violent protests in AJK over administrative, political, and economic concerns. The government’s negotiation committee and JAAC signed the accord after vetting the draft in detail, bringing an end to clashes that had left at least 10 people dead and dozens injured.
The Prime Minister praised the efforts of the negotiating team, emphasizing that the government remains committed to addressing the concerns of the Kashmiri people. “Public interest and peace are our top priorities, and we will continue to serve the people of Azad Kashmir with full commitment,” he said.
Federal ministers Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Ahsan Iqbal confirmed the signing of the agreement and hailed it as a “victory for peace, democracy, and the people of AJK.” They highlighted that the deal reflected the wisdom of leadership and the spirit of dialogue, resolving the crisis without violence.
Rana Sanaullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister, thanked JAAC for engaging in negotiations and expressed sorrow over the loss of lives during the unrest. He stated that all legitimate demands of JAAC had been accepted.
Key Points of the Agreement:
- Anti-terrorism cases will be filed for deaths during violent incidents.
- Compensation will be provided to families of those killed on 1–2 October.
- Families of protesters will receive the same compensation as officials.
- Each injured individual will receive Rs 1 million.
- One family member of each 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 boards will be linked to the Federal Board.
- The Local Government Act will be restored within 90 days in line with judicial rulings.
- Health card funds will be released within 15 days; MRI and CT scan machines will be provided in all AJK districts.
- The federal government will provide Rs 10 billion to improve AJK’s power infrastructure.
- Cabinet size will be reduced to 20 ministers and advisers; the number of administrative secretaries will not exceed 20.
- Civil Defence will be merged with SDMA; the Accountability Bureau and Anti-Corruption Establishment will also be merged.
- AJK’s Accountability Act will be aligned with Pakistan’s NAB laws.
- Feasibility reports for two tunnels will be prepared under the Saudi Development Fund.
- A high-powered legal committee will be formed to review privileges of external members, which will remain suspended until the final report.
The agreement was widely hailed as a breakthrough, signaling the government’s commitment to dialogue and good governance in AJK while addressing public grievances through concrete reforms and financial assistance.
