JAAC faces backlash for refusing dialogue to spoil AJK polls despite acceptance of demands

Islamabad / Muzaffarabad (Web Desk): Serious concern has been expressed at both federal and state levels over the ongoing political and public situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with officials stating that despite the acceptance of 35 out of 38 demands put forward by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the continuation of protests reflects a lack of seriousness in negotiations and has resulted in a renewed deadlock.

A high-level political delegation dispatched from the federal capital, which included Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Shah Ghulam Qadir, Tariq Farooq, the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, and Chaudhry Yasin, was present to facilitate dialogue. However, the absence of meaningful progress despite their engagement has raised significant questions.

Highlighting the financial realities of Azad Kashmir, it has been stated that the region’s annual own-source revenue stands at approximately Rs60 billion, while its total budget has now exceeded Rs300 billion.

To bridge this substantial fiscal gap, the Government of Pakistan provides annual financial assistance ranging between Rs240 and Rs250 billion.

In addition, around Rs15 billion rupees are disbursed annually in stipends for more than 63,000 migrants who have been residing since 1989.

Officials maintain that the majority of the major public welfare demands raised by the JAAC have already been accepted.

The remaining three demands, however, relate to fiscal policy and constitutional matters, which cannot be resolved through street pressure or ultimatums.