ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed the agreement reached between the government negotiating committee and the AJK Joint Action Committee to end ongoing unrest in Azad Kashmir, calling it a major success for Pakistan and the region. The agreement, which includes key reforms and relief measures, has been hailed as a step toward peace and stability.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to both government officials and members of the negotiating team for their efforts, stating that peace had been restored and rumors had been put to rest. An appeal was made to the Kashmiri people not to fall prey to misinformation, as assurances were given that their rights and concerns would remain the government’s priority.
According to the official notification issued after the talks, strict legal action will be taken against incidents of violence and vandalism, with the Anti-Terrorism Act to be invoked where required. A judicial commission will also be set up to investigate such cases. Families of those killed on October 1 and 2 will be compensated, while those injured by gunfire will each receive Rs10 million. Within 20 days, one government job will also be provided to a family member of each deceased.
Educational and health reforms
Two additional Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education have been approved for Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions, linked with the Federal Board. MRI and CT scan machines will be supplied to every district in phases with federal financial support, while implementation of the Health Card scheme will be ensured within 15 days.
Infrastructure and development initiatives
Land acquired under the Mangla Dam Raising Project in Mirpur district will be regularized within 30 days. An international airport in Mirpur has been announced for the current fiscal year. To improve the power system, Rs10 billion will be provided by the federal government. The size of the AJK cabinet will be reduced to 20 ministers and advisers, while the number of administrative secretaries will also be capped at 20.
Other major measures
The Accountability Bureau and Anti-Corruption Establishment will be merged, with the AJK Accountability Act aligned to Pakistan’s NAB laws. Two tunnels will be constructed on the Kahori Kamsar and Chaplani Neelum Valley road with support from the Saudi Development Fund. A high-powered committee will examine issues related to refugee members, while privileges and funds for refugee ministers will remain suspended. Judicial commissions will be formed for FIR registrations linked to violence in Banjosa, Muzaffarabad, Plak, Dheerkot, Mirpur, and Kotli. Ownership rights for Kashmiri refugees will be granted in Kashmir Colony and Mender Colony of Dadyal, along with water supply schemes. Arrested Kashmiri protestors in Rawalpindi and Islamabad on October 2 and 3 will also be released.
Monitoring and implementation
A monitoring committee comprising representatives from the federal government, the AJK government, and the Joint Action Committee has been formed to oversee implementation. The body will be headed by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Maqam and will include Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry as well as two representatives each from the AJK government and the Action Committee.
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The Prime Minister described the agreement as a “new chapter for the Kashmiri people” and reiterated that the protection of rights, resolution of grievances, and promotion of peace and stability in Azad Kashmir would remain the government’s foremost priority.
