The public outrage against soaring prices in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) has grown intense, leading the Pakistani government to a point of capitulation. The administration led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has swiftly sanctioned a budget of 23 billion rupees to PoK. Additionally, local authorities have announced reductions in electricity tariffs and bread prices. However, the situation in PoK remains fraught with tension. Since Friday, protests have continued unabated, and violent clashes between police and protesters were reported for a fourth day on Monday. The death toll has risen to three, including two demonstrators and a Sub-Inspector. Over a hundred individuals were injured in Sunday’s clashes.
In response to increased prices and taxes, PoK’s United People’s Action Committee, comprising social activists, traders, and lawyers, has called for a march to the capital, Muzaffarabad. On Monday, crowds persisted with their long march toward Muzaffarabad despite police efforts to deter them with force, leading to confrontations. On Sunday, a Sub-Inspector named Adnan Qureshi was fatally shot amidst the clashes, with more than a hundred injured, many police officers among them. To date, two protesters have also perished.
Pakistan Government Approves 23 Billion Budget
It’s important to note that the procession of protesters that began in Bhimber has now reached Muzaffarabad as of Monday. These demonstrators plan to encircle the Legislative Assembly. Despite an ongoing ban on internet and mobile services in PoK, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken a proactive stance to pacify the protesters. Following talks with demonstrators and local officials on Monday, Sharif approved an immediate release of a 23 billion rupees budget for PoK.
Pakistan Government Convenes Emergency Meeting, Makes Significant Decision
Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated, acknowledging the unexpected protests and their sensitivity, PM Sharif presided over a special meeting on Monday involving PoK’s Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, local ministers, and top leadership. It was confirmed that PM Sharif sanctioned a 23 billion rupee budget to address issues facing PoK residents. The meeting also saw contributions from ministers and coalition party leaders who thoroughly reviewed the situation. According to PMO, leaders and attendees praised Sharif’s decisiveness.
Source: aajtak
Prices Slashed on Everything from Electricity to Bread in PoK
Following the conclusion of talks with PM Sharif, PoK Prime Minister Haq announced cuts in electricity tariffs. Haq declared that local residents have been demanding cheaper electricity and subsidized flour. He emphasized the essential need for accessible electricity and affordable flour. A reduction in bread prices was also announced.
Protesters Block Roads, Suspend Transportation Services
During the protests, a leader from Rawalakot accused the government of delay tactics. According to a Dawn newspaper report, protesters have already barricaded the Kohala-Muzaffarabad road at several points. This highway extends over 40 kilometers and links Kohala town to Muzaffarabad. It was further reported that heavy police contingents were deployed at critical junctions. While markets, business centers, and educational institutions are closed, transportation services have been suspended.
Zero Tolerance Affirmed for Vigilantism
Following clashes between police and protesters in Mirpur during Saturday’s demonstration, the government summoned Pakistani Rangers. PM Sharif expressed deep concern over Sunday's violent clashes, firmly stating that those taking the law into their own hands would be strictly dealt with. Such acts should not be tolerated, he remarked, urging all sides to engage in peaceful dialogs for resolving demands.
President Calls for Restraint Among Public
To quell the unrest, President Asif Ali Zardari urged everyone to maintain composure and resolve issues through dialog and mutual consultation. He underlined that political parties, state institutions, and people of the region must act responsibly to prevent adversaries from exploiting the situation. The president suggested consulting with PM Sharif to find a way out of the current situation. He expressed regret over the state of affairs and condoled the death of the police officer, praying for the speedy recovery of all those injured in the clashes.
Violent Demonstrations Shut Down Schools to Markets
During Saturday’s violent protests, demonstrators damaged several vehicles including a magistrate’s car on the Poonch-Kotli road. Furthermore, markets, business centers, offices, schools, and restaurants remained closed throughout the region. Post-violence, police took action against protesters and arrested dozens in Muzaffarabad. A day prior, the government had suspended mobile phone and internet services in different parts of the region. According to Dawn, approximately 70 protesters were arrested on the 9th and 10th of May in efforts to halt the long march. In light of the protests, government offices and educational institutions were shuttered on Monday.
