[VIDEOS] Is it time for Pakistan to change gears and handle AJK similarly to IOK?

[FearlessRoar]

As we observe the turmoil in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) over soaring electricity bills, it's a stark reminder of who holds the reins in the region. So, the question arises: Should Pakistan change tack and treat AJK more like Indian Occupied Kashmir?

Now, if we were to turn AJK into an administrative territory like Indian Occupied Kashmir, it might worry the locals who cherish their say in local affairs. Losing their self-governing status would feel like a piece of their identity slipping away.

Then there's the concern that meddling with the status quo could make matters worse. If Pakistan makes significant decisions without consulting the people of AJK, it could fan the flames of unrest and escalate tensions.

Perhaps the solution lies in open dialogue and finding common ground. Pakistan needs to ensure that everyone's voice is heard, bolster local leadership, and strive to improve life for all in AJK.

And let's not forget the lessons from India's decision on Article 370. It serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of tinkering with governance in a disputed area.

 

[Mockingbird]

All well & good but what ‘repercussions’ did India face after abrogation of Article 370?

 

[JaDed]

And let's not forget the lessons from India's decision on Article 370. It serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of tinkering with governance in a disputed area.

———-

On the contrary, tourism is high, terrorism has reduced.

 

[Red-Indian]

Actually to be honest, I'm not clear on the current administrative structure in Pakistani Kashmir. Wikipedia is a little ambiguous as well. I'm aware they nominally have a Prime Minister and are not the same as other Pakistani states but how does devolution of powers actually work in practice? How much autonomy does the region have on stuff like economy, law and order etc.

Also how would the local populace react if Pakistan formally announced annexation and incorporation? Would a referendum support it or would it have to be like the last Pakistani general election?

 

[The Bald Eagle]

I think they must be granted that autonomy on ground rather than on papers as Kashmir issue still unresolved.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Naqvi says evidence points to ‘foreign hand’ in AJK tensions​

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Thursday that evidence suggests a foreign hand is involved in the tensions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and that a neighbouring country is involved.

Naqvi made the comments during an interaction with media representatives in Islamabad, where he also discussed the recent subsidy package announced by the Pakistani government to address the issues in AJK.

The minister said that the package, worth Rs23 billion, has been announced and has already reached the government of Azad Kashmir, which is now free to use it to address the issues.

He also said that there is evidence that social media campaigns were launched from abroad to fuel the tensions in AJK, and that the government has already taken action against those involved.

"We have evidence that how a campaign was launched on social media that 17 people have been killed, 12 have killed, and 10 have been killed… and how videos were edited and spread through social media," Naqvi said. "We have taken action against those involved and will continue to do so."

The minister also hinted that the neighbouring country is involved in the tensions, but did not provide further details.

"We will reveal everything when we have complete evidence and proof," Naqvi said. “Protests started outside our embassies abroad, so there must have been someone who was doing all this,” he remarked.

"But it is clear that something is happening and we will take action to address it."

Clashes erupted in AJK after the federal government increased the electricity prices in July. The regional government had reached an agreement with the protestors a few months ago but its implementation was pending.

The skirmishes resumed last week when traders and residential consumers blocked roads due to non-implementation of the agreement.

Finally, the prime minister announced a Rs23 billion subsidy to provide wheat at Rs2,000 per 40 kilogramme in AJK compared to Rs3,900 in Pakistan.

The electricity rates for the residential consumers were announced at Rs3 per unit for monthly consumption of 100 units, Rs5 per unit for consumption between 101 to 300 units, and Rs6 per unit for usage exceeding 500 units.

Sources revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also directed the finance ministry to set aside the subsidy in the next budget for continuous provision of subsidized electricity and wheat for the region.

Naqvi says evidence points to ‘foreign hand’ in AJK tensions | The Express Tribune

We will reveal everything when we have complete evidence and proof, says interior minister

tribune.com.pk

 

[Bewal Express]

As we observe the turmoil in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) over soaring electricity bills, it's a stark reminder of who holds the reins in the region. So, the question arises: Should Pakistan change tack and treat AJK more like Indian Occupied Kashmir?

Now, if we were to turn AJK into an administrative territory like Indian Occupied Kashmir, it might worry the locals who cherish their say in local affairs. Losing their self-governing status would feel like a piece of their identity slipping away.

Then there's the concern that meddling with the status quo could make matters worse. If Pakistan makes significant decisions without consulting the people of AJK, it could fan the flames of unrest and escalate tensions.

Perhaps the solution lies in open dialogue and finding common ground. Pakistan needs to ensure that everyone's voice is heard, bolster local leadership, and strive to improve life for all in AJK.

And let's not forget the lessons from India's decision on Article 370. It serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of tinkering with governance in a disputed area.

Or bring back a govt of the people and not some crooks imposes by the Establishment.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Or bring back a govt of the people and not some crooks imposes by the Establishment.

No, bro, it's not about PTI in Kashmir lol. It's about demanding basic rights. And there are certainly conspiracies and interference of RAW behind it. Considering what recently happened in AJK, it is alarming. We are already in an economic turmoil. We can't afford such unrest in AJK back and forth.

 

[Bewal Express]

No, bro, it's not about PTI in Kashmir lol. It's about demanding basic rights. And there are certainly conspiracies and interference of RAW behind it. Considering what recently happened in AJK, it is alarming. We are already in an economic turmoil. We can't afford such unrest in AJK back and forth.

As our Establishment is in cahoots with the Inds, and we have accepted Indian seizure of Occupied Kashmir because Establishment was told to accept it by the Americans, what is the evidence here

 

[JaDed]

No, bro, it's not about PTI in Kashmir lol. It's about demanding basic rights. And there are certainly conspiracies and interference of RAW behind it. Considering what recently happened in AJK, it is alarming. We are already in an economic turmoil. We can't afford such unrest in AJK back and forth.

RAW is behind Pakistan going to IMF continuously causing out of control inflation?
RAW might be better than bollywood shows it to be then.

 

[FearlessRoar]

As our Establishment is in cahoots with the Inds, and we have accepted Indian seizure of Occupied Kashmir because Establishment was told to accept it by the Americans, what is the evidence here

I reckon China will have a solution for it, maybe China is waiting for the right time. Since IOK is a union territory now and not a province yet, there's still a window for change.

 

[FearlessRoar]

RAW is behind Pakistan going to IMF continuously causing out of control inflation?
RAW might be better than bollywood shows it to be then.

Bro, RAW might be behind the radical protests. I'm talking about the radical protests, and certainly, RAW provoked those sentiments.

 

[RexRex]

There is no freedom in AJK to express views about an independent state, never has been. It's tightly controlled by the Junta.

 

[FearlessRoar]

There is no freedom in AJK to express views about an independent state, never has been. It's tightly controlled by the Junta.

Have you ever been to AJK?

 

[RexRex]

Have you ever been to AJK?

I have talked to people from there.

 

[FearlessRoar]

I have talked to people from there.

No, that's not enough. To form a real life opinion, you must visit AJK. I have been there more than 100 times. I don't see any oppression or lack of freedom of speech. Mirpur is a city of peace, with almost zero crime rate.

 

[RexRex]

No, that's not enough. To form a real life opinion, you must visit AJK. I have been there more than 100 times. I don't see any oppression or lack of freedom of speech. Mirpur is a city of peace, with almost zero crime rate.

There is no freedom to talk about independence of AJK from Pakistan.

 

[FearlessRoar]

There is no freedom to talk about independence of AJK from Pakistan.

And who wants independence from Pakistan in AJK? How can you say that when you've never been there !!!

 

[RexRex]

And who wants independence from Pakistan in AJK? How can you say that when you've never been there !!!

There are people in AJK who want to unite with J&K and become one independent state, free from Pakistan. But they are scared of voicing their opinions.

 

[Bewal Express]

There is no freedom in AJK to express views about an independent state, never has been. It's tightly controlled by the Junta.

Despite the best efforts of the Junta to destroy their loyalty- AJK is fiercely Pro PK. Ask any PK Kashmiris and they will tell you

 

[Cricket Warrior]

AJK police chief replaced following violent protests

The federal government on Friday replaced the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) days after violent protests against high electricity bills and flour, ARY News reported.

According to a notification issued by the Establishment Division, Abdul Jabbar, a BS-20 officer currently serving in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), had replaced Dr Sohail Habib Tajik, a BS-20 officer of the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP).

Abdul Jabbar had been transferred and placed at the disposal of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government for his posting as the IGP.

AJK police chief replaced following violent protests

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Friday replaced the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) days after violent protests

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

There are people in AJK who want to unite with J&K and become one independent state, free from Pakistan. But they are scared of voicing their opinions.

These are all Indian chooran. These things are beyond facts

 

[RexRex]

These are all Indian chooran. These things are beyond facts

Despite the best efforts of the Junta to destroy their loyalty- AJK is fiercely Pro PK. Ask any PK Kashmiris and they will tell you

MUZAFFARABAD, Kashmir — In Pakistan-controlled Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the simple fact of the region’s name — with azad meaning free — is a declaration that Kashmiris here enjoy a liberty denied to their kin across the border, in the Indian-held portion of the disputed territory.

But even in Pakistan-held Kashmir, the message has been clear, residents say: No talk of independence will be allowed.

As an Indian crackdown on the other side of Kashmir has led to massive civil unrest and new calls for a Kashmir free from either India or Pakistan, local activists and officials say a parallel security operation is being pushed inside Pakistan.

Pakistan has long prided itself on being a champion for Kashmiris, who are predominantly Muslim. And the government has chastised India for suppressing calls for freedom in the portion of Kashmir that New Delhi controls.

But New York Times journalists who were granted rare access to Azad Jammu and Kashmir in recent days found a toughening Pakistani security response to a growing independence movement here.

Residents say the upwelling is rooted in fears that their ability to reunify has been slowly slipping away ever since India increased its control of the divided territory and Pakistan did little to stop it other than to offer negotiations that India refused.

Source: New York Times

MUZAFFARABAD, Kashmir — In Pakistan-controlled Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the simple fact of the region’s name — with azad meaning free — is a declaration that Kashmiris here enjoy a liberty denied to their kin across the border, in the Indian-held portion of the disputed territory.
But even in Pakistan-held Kashmir, the message has been clear, residents say: No talk of independence will be allowed.

 

[Bewal Express]

​

In Pakistan-Held Kashmir, Growing Calls for Independence (Published 2019)

An emboldened independence movement in Pakistan-held Kashmir has the government on edge, emerging as the state tries to rein in anti-India militants.

www.nytimes.com

I think the Junta overthrowing an elected govt in AJK as part of the fight against IK, and inflation have caused real anger. But there is no deep anti PK feeling and as soon the Junta mafia retreat the anger will dissipate

 

[FearlessRoar]

MUZAFFARABAD, Kashmir — In Pakistan-controlled Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the simple fact of the region’s name — with azad meaning free — is a declaration that Kashmiris here enjoy a liberty denied to their kin across the border, in the Indian-held portion of the disputed territory.

But even in Pakistan-held Kashmir, the message has been clear, residents say: No talk of independence will be allowed.

As an Indian crackdown on the other side of Kashmir has led to massive civil unrest and new calls for a Kashmir free from either India or Pakistan, local activists and officials say a parallel security operation is being pushed inside Pakistan.

Pakistan has long prided itself on being a champion for Kashmiris, who are predominantly Muslim. And the government has chastised India for suppressing calls for freedom in the portion of Kashmir that New Delhi controls.

But New York Times journalists who were granted rare access to Azad Jammu and Kashmir in recent days found a toughening Pakistani security response to a growing independence movement here.

Residents say the upwelling is rooted in fears that their ability to reunify has been slowly slipping away ever since India increased its control of the divided territory and Pakistan did little to stop it other than to offer negotiations that India refused.

Source: New York Times

Azadi means to get freedom from India, because Kashmir doesn't belong to India by any means. Kashmir is a Muslim majority region, should belong to Pakistan based on the principles of partition, human rights violations by India and cultural religious ties.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Despite the best efforts of the Junta to destroy their loyalty- AJK is fiercely Pro PK. Ask any PK Kashmiris and they will tell you

I am from Kashmir so i can second ur point

 

[FearlessRoar]

SC moved to initiate contempt proceedings against AJK PM Anwarul Haq

The Supreme Court of Azad Kashmir has been moved to initiate contempt proceedings against AJK Prime Minister Anwarul Haq, ARY News reported on Saturday.

As per details, the petition was filed by a social activist Umama Gulrez, and two other lawyers in the AJK top court.

The court has issued notices to all parties, including the Prime Minister, for a hearing on May 21.


The petitioners have accused the Prime Minister of violating the court’s orders and not implementing the judicial decision regarding the tax cut.

The CBR had cut the judicial allowance of court employees, which was declared illegal by the Supreme Court. The court had ordered the Commissioner Land Revenue to refund the cut amount, but the government has not implemented the court order yet.

Earlier in a separate development, the Awami Joint Action Committee announced to end of ongoing protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) against soaring inflation a day after the government accepted demands regarding reduction in the prices of electricity and flour after several days of violent protests.

SC moved to initiate contempt proceedings against AJK PM Anwarul Haq

MUZAFFARABAD: The Supreme Court of Azad Kashmir has been moved to initiate contempt proceedings against AJK Prime Minister Anwarul Haq, ARY News reported

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

PPP rejects in-house change proposal in Azad Kashmir

Party sources said that the PPP Azad Kashmir was intending to bring a no-confidence motion and had completed its homework.

“The AJK PPP had presented the proposal to the party’s leadership”. The leadership, however, turned down the suggestion about in-house change in Azad Kashmir, party sources said.

The proponents of the in-house change move were failed to convince the People’s Party leadership, sources said.

“In-house change is not a correct move in Azad Kashmir in present circumstances,” the party leadership told the AJK PPP.

The leadership also directed the party to support the Azad Kashmir government, party sources added.

The proponents of the in-house change move were failed to convince the People’s Party leadership, sources said.

“In-house change is not a correct move in Azad Kashmir in present circumstances,” the party leadership told the AJK PPP.

The leadership also directed the party to support the Azad Kashmir government, party sources added.

PPP rejects in-house change proposal in Azad Kashmir

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People's Party has rejected a proposal to bring in-house change in Azad Kashmir, citing sources ARY News reported on Sunday. Party

arynews.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

Emergence of Rs. 20b Social Protection Fund to improve life of common man in AJK: Anwar-ul-Haq​

Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq has said that the establishment of a Rs . 20 billion social protection fund by his government was an important milestone in turning AJ&K into a welfare state.

He was talking to a delegation of senior Pakistani journalists at the Jammu Kashmir House in the state metropolis late Friday.
The AJK premier, while referring to various initiatives the government has taken to serve the masses and raise their standard of living, said that besides setting up a social protection fund, Rs. 3 billion had been earmarked for an endowment fund to address the growing unemployment in the region.

He hailed the Army Chief for his unwavering commitment to the Kashmir cause. He also expressed his profound gratitude to the political and military leadership of Pakistan for their all-out support and cooperation extended to the coalition government.

Referring to his government’s zero-tolerance policy against mafias, he expressed that the government strictly implemented a zero-tolerance policy to eradicate mafias at all levels. “Today, no one can ever dare challenge the writ of the state,” the PM said.

For the settlement of the Kashmir dispute, the prime minister said, “There is an urgent need that we redouble our efforts to seek an early settlement of the Kashmir dispute.”

About fair utilization of budgets and transparency in government spending, the PM stated, “So far, 60 percent of the budget has been spent, and transparency has been the key consideration in the entire process.”

The remaining 40 percent of the of the budget, he said, would be spent on the welfare of the masses. He said that the main purpose of the state was to serve its people. He said that the people do not pay taxes because they lack trust and confidence in the state institutions. He said that there has been tangible progress and overall improvement in the road infrastructure, health, and education sectors.

“Cent percent attendance has been ensured by introducing biometric systems in all the health and education institutions, budget deficit of $8 billion has been reduced to $1 billion, development projects pending for the last three years have been completed in one year”, he further highlighted.

The government, he said has provided subsidies worth over 20 billion rupees to the people in the form of cheap electricity, food, and wheat flour, in five municipal corporations, a three billion rupee subsidy is being provided in the form of clean water, and now under endowment fund, financial assistance would be provided to orphans, widows, transgender people, destitute elderly men and women, and divorcees.

He said that a fully independent public service commission had been set up to ensure recruitment on merit. About the induction of fresh blood in AJK politics, the PM said that 99 percent of the leadership of Azad Kashmir was above 60 years of age, and there was an urgent need that the youth should come forward and take the responsibility.

The PM said the government has been successful in resolving the issues of the Kashmir Council and the Neelum Jhelum Hydel project. He stressed that the government has shown a great degree of political maturity by engaging with members of action committees and raising their demands at the federal level.

Regarding the Indian leaders’ provocative statements, the AJK premier said that the government and people of Azad Kashmir won’t allow the Indian Interior Minister’s nefarious designs of spreading chaos in Azad Kashmir. “God willing, Kashmiris will achieve the cherished goal of joining Pakistan,” he said.

The delegation was comprised of well-known anchorpersons, including Absar Alam, Iftikhar Ahmed, Asma Shirazi, Muhammad Adil, Kamran Khan, Amar Masood and others.

Emergence of Rs. 20b Social Protection Fund to improve life of common man in AJK: Anwar-ul-Haq

Emergence of Rs. 20b Social Protection Fund to improve life of common man in AJK: Anwar-ul-Haq

www.app.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

The much-needed sight of AJK was a welcome relief at that moment.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1797522354056360264

 

[FearlessRoar]

Interior Minister approves deployment of FC in AJK

As per details, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwaar ul Haq called on Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad today.

They discussed peace and security situation in Azad Kashmir and also deliberated on political situation and budget of the state for the new fiscal year.

Mohsin Naqvi said security arrangements will be improved in Azad Kashmir and all possible support will be extended in this regard to ensure peace in the state.

He said we are fulfilling the promises made to the people of Azad Kashmir.

The Interior Minister said government of Pakistan stands with the government and people of Azad Kashmir and will extend possible cooperation for the prosperity and development of the state.

The AJK Prime Minister thanked the Interior Minister for immediate steps for resolution of issues.

Earlier, sources said that the federal cabinet approved the deployment of Frontier Constabulary (FC) in Azad Kashmir for security of Chinese nationals.

The FC will be deployed for an initial period of three months to maintain law and order in the region, sources added.

Interior Minister approves deployment of FC in AJK

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi approved the deployment of Frontier Constabulary (FC) in Azad Kashmir (AJK) on the request of Prime Minister

arynews.tv