People's victory | The Express Tribune
Key Takeaways
- The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of AJK successfully negotiated a deal with the federal government accepting all 38 of their demands.
- The agreement mandates significant governance reforms, including the abolition of VIP culture, limiting the cabinet size, and merging departments for austerity.
- Key concessions include registering FIRs for violence, compensation for the deceased, Rs10 billion for electricity system improvement, and timely implementation of a health card.
- A committee will deliberate on the pivotal demand to scrap reserved seats for Pakistan-based refugees from Indian-occupied Kashmir.
- The outcome is hailed as a tribute to the unity of the Kashmiri people and sends a message to India regarding the importance of Kashmiri sentiments.
A landmark deal was clinched in Azad Kashmir as the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) returned triumphant after securing total acceptance of their 38-point demands from the federal government, a success attributed to the unity and apolitical commitment of the Kashmiri people. The agreement includes immediate actions like registering FIRs for violence, compensating the deceased, and establishing a judicial commission, alongside financial commitments for infrastructure like Rs10 billion for electricity improvements. Epoch-making achievements involve ending VIP culture, abolishing privileges for elected officials, limiting the cabinet size to 20, and reforming local government structures to ensure austerity and efficiency. Furthermore, a committee will review the demand to scrap reserved seats for Pakistan-based refugees from Indian-occupied Kashmir, a component often used to influence AJK politics. This resolution sends a strong message about valuing Kashmiri sentiments and sets a precedent for securing rights across Pakistan.
