The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) chose to halt the current demonstrations in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-Controlled Kashmir (PoK), in response to the government’s pledge on Monday to fulfill their requests. This announcement was made by Shehbaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan. This decision was reached just a day after the Pakistani government introduced a hefty aid package worth more than 23 billion Pakistani Rupees (PKR). This package aims to tackle the mounting inflation, heavy taxation, and escalating electricity bills that initially sparked these protests.
A spokesperson for JAAC confirmed yesterday that the government has conceded to all the protester’s demands, as reported by Geo News. “We are putting an end to the shutter down strike,” he further declared, indicating that a complete state-wide closure was scheduled until 3 pm today as a gesture of respect to the departed protestors.
The relief scheme comprises multiple initiatives aimed at delivering immediate assistance to the populace of PoK. One of the standout points is a significant drop in flour cost, with a 40 kg bag now priced at PKR 1100, down from PKR 3100. Furthermore, appreciable price cuts in electricity for both home and business users have been declared.
JAAC’s leader, Shaukat Nawaz Mir, conveyed his appreciation to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for granting their requests after over a year of campaigning. Mir highlighted their main objectives of their protest movement, “We sought affordable flour and electricity, and the removal of special privileges for the upper class,” as reported by Geo News.
He expressed disapproval for the internet blackout, arguing that it hindered the dissemination of news regarding successful negotiations to the demonstrators. This occurred even as subsidy notifications and reassurances were published, yet violent interactions between AAC demonstrators and Muzaffarabad’s law enforcement led to at least three fatalities and seven injuries on Monday, according to the report.
Previously, there were violent encounters with law enforcement during the protests, leading to deaths and injuries. In memory of those who lost their lives, the committee decided to observe a “day of mourning”, with plans to hold funeral rites at the University Ground.
High lights of Pakistan Government’s Aid Package in a Reaction to Protests in Pok
The Pakistani government has announced a relief package worth more than 23 billion PKR, which includes a notable decrease in the cost of flour. Now, a 40 kg bag is available for 1100 PKR, down from 3100 PKR. Furthermore, Samaa TV reported that individuals living in PoK can purchase 20 kg of flour for 1000 PKR and 40 kg for 2000 PKR.
In addition to this, the Energy Department of PoK has announced cutbacks in electricity tariffs for both home and business consumers. The new rate for domestic power use begins at 3 PKR per kilowatt-hour for up to 100 units, increases to 5 PKR for 100 to 300 units, and ascends to 6 PKR for consumption beyond 300 units, according to Samaa TV. Commercial consumers will also benefit from lower rates, as electricity will cost them 10 PKR per unit for up to 300 units and 15 PKR for anything over 300 units.
In response to a crucial request, a judicial committee to assess the privileges of high-ranking officials in PoK has been sanctioned.
Despite previous affirmations from the federal and PoK administrations to meet all the demonstrators’ demands, protests continued until Monday. Nonetheless, the announcement of the relief bundle has lessened the tensions in the area.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed the subsidy package during an elevated meeting, followed by PoK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq’s declaration of the notification’s issuance. According to this notification, the cost of flour has been lowered from PKR 3,100 to PKR 2,000 per 40kg.
