Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq Monday said that the Islamabad government despite all its financial constraints has accepted the demands of the Jammu Kashmir Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and reduced the prices of electricity and flour, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Addressing a press conference, he said “No one can reject two fundamental demands regarding cheap roti [bread] and electricity.
Anwar ul Haq said PM Shehbaz assured him during a telephonic conversation last night of his all-out support to address issues of the AJK people within 24 hours.
This will cost the national exchequer more than Rs23 billion, for which I am grateful to the government of Pakistan, “Anwar-ul-Haq.
The Prime Minister expressed his awareness of the current situation and said that the elected and democratic government of Azad Kashmir understands the public mandate.
He clarified that the government has no intention of suppressing the peaceful protest of the people, neither in the past nor now.
The PM said that according to the notification, the price of wheat flour has been reduced by Rs 1100 per 40 kg bag, from Rs 3100 to Rs 2000.
He said that the government also approved a reduction in electricity prices.
“The domestic consumers using up to 100 units will be charged Rs 3 per unit, while those using 101-300 units will be charged Rs 5 per unit. Consumers using more than 300 units will be charged Rs 6 per unit.
The PM continued the hard work of the Awami Joint Action Committee has paid off.
“Pakistan's establishment played an active role in the matter, he said adding that We will reduce our expenses and give people their rights.
Haq added that more relief would come after the completion of the hydroelectric project.
He said that the government exhibited tolerance and patience despite violations of the law and added that more than 100 policemen were wounded in violent clashes with the protesters, whereas, not a "single marcher was injured".
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the coalition government in Azad Kashmir is working to address the issues.
Government ministers were in talks with the Joint Action Committee to resolve the crisis.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that Azad Kashmir receives 300,000 tons of wheat annually from the federal government.
The Azad Kashmir government has successfully curbed the smuggling and theft of wheat, he added.
Terming the subsidies as the Pakistani government's "special connection" with the region, Anwar said that the top political and military leadership proved its concrete relationship and respect for the AJK people. He announced that Islamabad would provide Rs23 billion in funds to the AJK government.
He gave credit to Pakistan's establishment and the army chief for taking a special interest in resolving the problems of the AJK people.
He further said that the notification would come into effect immediately and it was a permanent arrangement that would be part of the forthcoming budget for FY2024-25.