Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives during violent protest movement in Azad Jammu and Kashmir announced to visit AJK in coming days.
Addressing the federal cabinet meeting, the premier stressed the pivotal role of Kashmir in Pakistan's national fabric, denouncing attempts to disrupt peace under the guise of protests.
"Kashmir is the aorta of Pakistan," stated Prime Minister Sharif, highlighting the significance of maintaining law and order in the region.
He affirmed his commitment to addressing the grievances of the people of Azad Kashmir, announcing his forthcoming visit to Muzaffarabad to gain firsthand insights into the situation.
Reflecting on the conclusion of the protest movement through collective efforts, Prime Minister Sharif underscored the importance of attentively listening to and comprehending the concerns of the populace. He extended gratitude to all leaders, including President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Azad Kashmir, for their constructive engagement in resolving the issues at hand.
It is pertinent to mention that PM Shehbaz had approved a substantial allocation of 23 billion rupees for the people of Azad Kashmir. Consequently, the Azad government promptly issued notifications to alleviate the financial burdens by reducing prices of essential commodities such as flour and electricity.
Violent protests
The protests erupted after the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has traders at the forefront in most parts of the state, has been seeking the provision of electricity as per hydropower generation cost in AJK, subsidised wheat flour and an end to the privileges of the elite class.
On May 9 and 10, around 70 activists were arrested by police in a bid to prevent a long march — announced by the JAAC to press the government to comply with an agreement reached between the two in February this year — triggering serious clashes in Dadyal and a “shutter-down strike” call.
Amid a crippling strike on Friday, fierce clashes between police and protesters were witnessed in different areas of Muzaffarabad.
The next day, AJK witnessed violent clashes between the police and the activists amid a wheel-jam and shutter-down strike across the territory, leaving at least one police official dead and more than 90 others injured.
On May 13, the JAAC announced to end the protests after the Anwaaul Haq-led AJK government accepted their demands and issued notification over massive decline in electricity and flour prices in the region.
