In the wake of violent protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound condolences for the lives lost and announced his forthcoming visit to the region. The announcement came during a federal cabinet meeting where the premier emphasized the integral role of Kashmir in Pakistan’s national identity and condemned any attempts to disrupt peace under the guise of protests.
“Kashmir is the aorta of Pakistan,” stated Prime Minister Sharif, underlining the critical importance of maintaining law and order in the region. He reiterated his commitment to addressing the grievances of the people of Azad Kashmir and announced his scheduled visit to Muzaffarabad to gain firsthand insights into the situation.
Reflecting on the recent protests and their resolution through collective efforts, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the significance of attentively listening to and comprehending the concerns of the populace. He extended gratitude to all leaders involved in the resolution process, including President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Azad Kashmir, for their constructive engagement.
The protests erupted after the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) demanded electricity at subsidized rates, reduced prices of essential commodities such as wheat flour, and an end to elite privileges. The demonstrations intensified with clashes between activists and police, resulting in casualties and injuries.
Prime Minister Sharif had previously approved a substantial allocation of 23 billion rupees for the people of Azad Kashmir, leading to prompt actions by the AJK government to reduce prices of essential commodities in response to protester demands.
The protests culminated on May 13 after the AJK government accepted the demands put forth by the JAAC, leading to a significant decline in electricity and flour prices in the region. The announcement marked the end of the protests, signaling a resolution to the tensions that had gripped Azad Kashmir in recent days.
Leave a Reply