PM Shehbaz approves Rs23 billion for AJK amid protests

After the protest against inflated electric bills and taxes escalated, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced an immediate provision of Rs23 billion to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to solve the issues.

The decision was taken in the meeting of the top brass of government, presided by the premier.

Representatives from the AJK government, Interior Ministry, Federal Minister of Kashmir Affairs Ameer Maqam, Minister of Energy Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Lughari, and Minister of Food and Nutrition Rana Tanveer Hussain attended the meeting. 

Premier Sharif was briefed about the violent clashes that left a policeman killed and 70 others injured. 

Following the briefing, the PM approved a grant of Rs23 billion to pull AJK from difficulties. 

Apart from this, demonstrators did not end the protest, as talks between the AJK government and protesters at Rawal Kot appeared unsuccessful.

Chairman Awami Action Committee (AAC) said the protest would not end until the fulfillment of their three demands.

Demonstrators have been seeking the provision of electricity as per hydropower generation cost in AJK, subsidised wheat flour, and the end of privileges from the elite class.

On the other hand, on May 10, the police arrested 70 activists in a bid to prevent a long march, announced by the AAC.