PoK Protests Over Inflation & High Taxes Called Off After Pakistan Govt's 23 Billion PKR Relief Package

The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has suspended protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) after the Pakistan government met their demands, including reducing flour and electricity prices.

PoK Protests: The Awami Action Committee had in PoK's capital Muzaffarabad called for the protest, demanding tax-free electricity from the Mangla Dam and subsidies on wheat flour.

Source : ANI

The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on Tuesday decided to call off the ongoing protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK)'s capital Muzaffarabad following the government's announcement on Monday to meet their demands as announced by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The decision came a day after the Pakistan government unveiled a substantial relief package amounting to over Pakistani Rs (PKR) 23 billion, addressing the soaring inflation, high taxes, and electricity bills that had prompted the protests.

"The government accepted all the demands of the protesters yesterday," stated a representative of JAAC, according to Geo News. "The shutterdown strike is being called off," he added while informing that a state-wide shutterdown was to be observed till 3 pm today to honour the protestors who died.

The relief package encompasses various measures aimed at providing immediate relief to the people of PoK. Among the key highlights is a significant reduction in the price of flour, with a 40 kg bag now priced at PKR 1100, down from PKR 3100. Additionally, substantial reductions in electricity prices for both residential and commercial consumers have been announced.

Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a leader of JAAC, expressed gratitude to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif for acceding to their demands after more than a year of advocacy. "Our protest movement had three basic demands – cheap flour, cheap electricity, and the abolition of privileges for the elite class," Mir emphasised, as quoted by a Geo News report.

He criticised the suspension of internet services which, he opined, prevented the news of successful talks from reaching the protesters. This comes as despite the notification of subsidies and the assurances, clashes between the AAC protesters and the law enforcement agencies in Muzaffarabad left at least three dead and seven others injured on Monday, the report stated. 

Earlier, the protests had seen clashes with law enforcement agencies, resulting in casualties and injuries. The committee had announced a "black day" to honor the deceased, with funeral prayers scheduled to be held at the University Ground.

Pakistan Govt's Relief Package In Response To PoK Protests

The Pakistan government's relief package totaling over PKR 23 billion includes a significant reduction in the price of flour, with a 40 kg bag now priced at PKR 1100, down from PKR 3100. Additionally, residents of PoK will get 20 kg of flour for PKR 1000 and 40 kg for PKR 2000, Samaa TV reported.

Furthermore, PoK's Energy Department has declared reductions in electricity prices for both residential and commercial consumers. Household electricity tariffs now range from PKR 3 per kilowatt hour for consumption up to 100 units, increasing to PKR 5 for 100 to 300 units, and PKR 6 for usage exceeding 300 units, as per Samaa TV. Similarly, commercial users will enjoy reduced rates, with electricity priced at Rs10 per unit for consumption up to 300 units and Rs15 for usage exceeding 300 units.

Responding to another key demand, the establishment of a judicial commission to review the privileges of top government officials in PoK has been approved.

Despite the federal and PoK governments' earlier announcement of accepting all demands of the protesters, demonstrations persisted until Monday. However, following the announcement of the relief package, tensions have eased in the region.

Pak PM  Shehbaz Sharif announced the subsidy package during a high-level meeting, subsequently PoK PM Chaudhry Anwarul Haq announced the issuance of the notification. As per the notification, the price of flour has been reduced from PKR 3,100 to PKR 2,000 per 40kg.