Muzaffarabad – Talks between the federal government’s negotiation team and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Muzaffarabad have reached a breakthrough and are now close to a successful conclusion. Both sides have agreed on most points, while a few matters have been referred to a high-level committee for constitutional and legal consultation.

According to sources, the JAAC delegation was represented by Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Amjad Ali Khan Advocate, and Anjum Zaman Awan, while the government team included Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Rana Sanaullah, Qamar Zaman Kaira, and others. Acting on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s instructions, the committee arrived directly in Muzaffarabad to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing protest situation.

After a five-day suspension, internet services across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are also expected to be restored today.

Compensation for victims and affected families

Families of civilians who lost their lives during the October 1–2 incidents will receive the same compensation and a government job as given to police personnel. Each injured person will be compensated with Rs 1 million. A judicial commission headed by a High Court judge will investigate the incident and review cases registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Education and health initiatives

Two new educational boards will be established in Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions within 30 days and will be affiliated with the Federal Board in Islamabad. In the health sector, the government will release funds within 15 days to activate the Health Card program. Each district will be equipped with CT scan machines, while tehsil hospitals will receive nursing staff and operational theaters.

Energy, development, and land-related decisions

The federal government will allocate Rs 10 billion to improve AJK’s power transmission system. Implementation of hydropower project agreements, as per the 2019 court ruling, will be ensured. Lands affected by the Mangla Dam raising will be regularized within 30 days.

Development projects include feasibility studies for the Kahori/Kumser and Chaplani tunnels, the Mirpur Airport project, and multiple water supply schemes. Bridge construction in Mirpur and Kotli will also be part of the current fiscal year’s development program.

Refugee seats and political reforms

No immediate decision was made regarding the 12 reserved seats for refugees. However, a six-member high-level committee, comprising two representatives each from the federal government, AJK government, and JAAC, has been formed to deliberate on this issue. In the meantime, refugee funds and related ministries have been suspended.

Additionally, all Kashmiri protesters arrested between September 30 and October 2 will be released, and admissions in educational institutions will now be based entirely on open merit.

Formation of implementation committee

A Monitoring and Implementation Committee has been established to oversee and ensure execution of all agreed points. It includes Federal Ministers Amir Muqam (Chairman) and Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, along with two representatives each from the AJK government and JAAC. The committee will review progress every 14 days.

According to sources, the federal government will allocate an additional Rs 30 billion for AJK in the upcoming budget, including Rs 6 billion for electricity subsidies, Rs 3 billion for wheat subsidies, and the remainder for development projects.

This agreement is being hailed as a significant breakthrough toward ending the ongoing protest crisis in the region.