Islamabad (Web Desk): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on Monday announced subsidy on prices of flour and electricity immediately after the federal government approved release of Rs23billion from national exchequer to solve the issue.
Addressing a news conference in the federal capital today, AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwaar ul Haq said notifications have been issued immediately following intervention of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He thanked PM Shehbaz for his keenness in resolving the issue amicably and ordering the prompt issuance of notifications.
As per the notification, price of flour has been reduced from Rs3100 to Rs2000 per 40 kilogram.
Meanwhile, the electricity prices will be Rs3 per unit for usage between 1-100 units, Rs5 per unit for usage between 100-300 units and Rs6 per unit for the 300-above slab.
Commercial rates of electricity have been fixed at 10 rupees per unit for 1-300 unit slab and for 300 and above slab, it has been fixed at Rs15 per unit.
The AJK premier thanked the federal government for enduring a burden of Rs23 billion on national exchequer with an open heart to for the sake of people of Azad Kashmir.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate release of Rs23 billion to resolve the issues confronting the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
“The prime minister decided to provide funds after thoroughly examining the situation in the territory, in a special meeting chaired by him on the subject,” a PM Office press release said.
AJK PM, his cabinet members and senior leadership attended the meeting besides the federal ministers and leaders of the coalition parties.
The Kashmiri leadership and other participants of the meeting thanked PM Shehbaz for his decision to provide funds.
It is pertinent to mention that several parts of the AJK witnessed protest demonstrations during the last four days with the people seeking reduced electricity bills and taxes as well as subsidised wheat flour.