People’s victory

A landmark deal clinched by Gen-Z in Azad Kashmir on the premise of their resilience and commitment to people’s power is likely to become a precedent. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of AJK returned triumphant after they signed a deal with the federal government, culminating in total acceptance of their 38-point demands. This is a tribute to the unity and a genuine apolitical approach of the people of Kashmir who struggled for their due rights. The Federation of Pakistan also deserves to be complimented for walking the extra few steps to further harmony with the people of AJK. This also sends across the border to India a categorical message: how valuing the sentiments of Kashmiris matters in Pakistan.

The agreed 12 decisions and 13 additional points include: instant FIRs to be registered against those who resorted to violence on both sides; compensation to the deceased; setting up of a judicial commission; Rs10 billion for improving electricity system; two more educational boards; feasibility studies for two tunnels and water supply schemes; provision of funds for implementation of a health card within 15 days; and implementation of the 2019 high court decision regarding hydel projects.

The most epoch-making achievement is the resolve of the AJK people that translated into putting an end to VIP culture; abolition of perks and privileges to the elected and retired coterie; limiting the size of the cabinet to 20 ministers/advisers and the number of administrative secretaries to 20; merging several government departments to increase efficiency and assure austerity; and reforming the local government edifice.

A committee of experts will deliberate and decide on a pivotal demand of scrapping the seats reserved for the Pakistan-based refugees from Indian-occupied Kashmir, as it is believed that this component of legislators is traditionally used for floor-crossing and pressurising the AJK government by federal authorities. AJK has set the ball rolling for people on the lookout for a passive way to secure their rights across Pakistan.