ISLAMABAD: The federal government has reached a landmark agreement with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), finally bringing an end to the violent protests and widespread unrest that had gripped Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) for days.
The deal, signed late after marathon negotiations in Muzaffarabad, followed several rounds of dialogue initiated on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The unrest had resulted in shutter-downs, road blockades, and violent clashes that left multiple people dead and dozens injured, sparking public outrage across the region.
Under the agreement, a judicial commission will be established to investigate the recent clashes and hold those responsible accountable. Families of those who lost their lives will be compensated, while injured protestors will receive financial support and medical treatment. The government has also agreed to provide employment opportunities for some victims’ families and ensure land possession rights for displaced households.
In addition, major healthcare reforms have been promised, including the provision of MRI and CT scan machines in government hospitals, restoration of health cards, and fresh funding to upgrade facilities. Education is also on the agenda, with new boards set up in Muzaffarabad and Poonch, affiliated with the Federal Board in Islamabad.
The agreement further includes amendments to the Local Government Act 1990 within 90 days and places a cap on the number of ministers and advisers in AJK at 20, curbing political excesses. To ensure accountability, a high-level monitoring committee led by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam will oversee the implementation of all commitments and address future disputes.
JAAC leaders hailed the deal as a “historic step,” while warning that public trust hinges on the government’s sincerity in honoring its promises. The development marks a significant breakthrough for political stability in AJK after weeks of escalating tensions.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.