Muzaffarabad (Web Desk): The standoff between the federal government and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has come to an end after both sides reached an understanding on 25 agreed points.
As a result of the breakthrough, demonstrations were called off and traffic resumed on the roads of Muzaffarabad.
Acknowledging the determination and efforts of the government’s dialogue committee in reaching a settlement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday expressed satisfaction over the successful negotiations held between the government and the JAAC.
He said the government is fully committed to addressing the grievances of the Kashmiri people and assured that their welfare and peace remain top priorities.
The premier stressed that his administration will continue to serve the people of Azad Kashmir with utmost dedication and reiterated that Pakistan has always been a strong advocate of the rights of Kashmiris, with the concerns of Azad Kashmir remaining a constant focus of the government’s agenda.
Under the agreement, a judicial commission will be constituted to investigate the incidents of violence.
Families of those who lost their lives will receive financial compensation as well as government jobs, while individuals injured in the unrest will be provided assistance amounting to Rs1 million each.
Two new educational boards will be established in Muzaffarabad and Poonch, and all boards across the region will now be affiliated with the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education in Islamabad.
The government has further assured that within thirty days the displaced families of Mirpur will be given possession of their lands.
Amendments will be introduced in the Local Government Act of 1990, and funds have been earmarked for the health card program.
An allocation of Rs10 billion has been made to upgrade the electricity system.
The Interior Ministry confirmed that detained protesters will be freed soon, and to ensure proper enforcement of the pact, a high-level monitoring committee will be formed. It was also decided that the size of the cabinet will be reduced.
The negotiation team, set up on the directives of PM Shehbaz, described the agreement as a major stride towards ensuring the well-being of the people of Kashmir.