PM approves immediate release of Rs23 billion for AJK

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ordered an immediate release of Rs 23 billion to resolve the issues confronting the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

After a comprehensive review of the situation in the territory, the Prime Minister decided to allocate funds, as stated in a press release from the PM Office following a special meeting chaired by him on the matter.

Over the past couple of days, various parts of AJK have experienced protest demonstrations, with citizens advocating for reduced electricity bills, tax cuts, and subsidized wheat flour.

Attending the meeting were the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, AJK cabinet members, senior leadership, federal ministers, and leaders from coalition parties.

The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), prominently led by traders across the state, has been advocating for electricity tariffs reflecting hydropower generation costs in AJK, subsidized wheat flour, and an end to privileges for the elite.

Recent events saw approximately 70 activists arrested by police on May 9 and 10, aiming to thwart a long march announced by the JAAC to compel the government to uphold an agreement made between the two parties in February. This led to serious clashes in Dadyal and calls for a “shutter-down strike.”

In the midst of a widespread strike on Friday, intense clashes between police and protesters erupted in various areas of Muzaffarabad.