PM Shehbaz of Pakistan has authorized a budget of PKR 2,300 crore for POK in order to quell ongoing protests.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved approximately $82.6 million (Pakistani Rupees 2,300 crore) for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday, aiming to quell violent protests and strikes triggered by soaring electricity tariffs, flour prices, and taxes. The unrest has resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to 90 others, mostly law enforcement personnel, over the past few days. This growing unrest presents a significant challenge to Pakistan's military, which has a substantial presence in the region to safeguard the Line of Control with India.
On Monday, demonstrators led by the Awami Action Committee (AAC), an activist group advocating for lower prices of essential commodities, continued their march to the regional capital, Muzaffarabad, after negotiations with the government reached a deadlock. The impasse prompted PM Sharif, already facing pressure due to the postponement of Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman's crucial visit to Pakistan later this month, to approve the grant for PoK during a special meeting in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by PoK's Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, local ministers, and other prominent figures. Following the meeting, PM Haq announced reductions in bread prices and electricity tariffs.
Meanwhile, mobile and internet services, suspended in PoK a day earlier, have not been restored in most areas. Government offices, markets, trade centers, and educational institutes also remained closed.
Although the current wave of turmoil has not seen calls for independence, locals have expressed a general feeling of discontent with Islamabad. In the past, Islamabad has faced criticism for suppressing regional movements that demanded complete independence. The recent crisis began on Friday when the AAC initiated a strike in Muzaffarabad, which quickly escalated into violent clashes with law enforcement authorities. The detention of over 70 activists further fueled the unrest. The movement announced its march on Muzaffarabad following inconclusive talks between the AAC's core committee and PoK's chief secretary, Dawood Bareach, in Rawalakot. PM Shehbaz and President Asif Ali Zardari pledged to address the "legitimate demands" of the protesters, urging all parties to exercise restraint and resolve issues through dialogue.