- 23 billion rupees budget approved with immediate effect
- The government also announced a reduction in electricity rates and bread prices
- Internet and mobile services remained suspended in PoK for the fourth day
In Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), public anger is at its peak over rising inflation. Violent protests there have brought the Pakistani government to its knees. The Shehbaz Sharif government has approved a budget of Rs 23 billion for PoK with immediate effect. The local government has also announced a reduction in electricity rates and bread prices. The situation in PoK is still tense. The area has been witnessing protests since Friday. Clashes broke out between police and protesters for the fourth consecutive day on Monday. The death toll has reached three. Including two opponents and one SI. More than 100 people were injured in the clashes on Sunday.
The protesters continued their long march towards Muzaffarabad
In fact, for the last four days, a joint Awami Action Committee formed by social activists, traders and lawyers in PoK has called for a march to the capital Muzaffarabad against rising prices of essential commodities and tax hike. Millions of protesters continued their long march towards Muzaffarabad on Monday as well. Police used force to stop the march, leading to clashes between protesters and police. Police SI Adnan Qureshi was shot dead by someone in the crowd on Sunday. More than 100 people have been injured in this clash. Most of them were policemen. So far, two protesters have also died.
The government of Pakistan has approved a budget of 23 billion rupees
A convoy of protesters started from Bhimbar and entered Muzaffarabad from Dirkot on Monday. These demonstrators will surround the Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad. Internet and mobile services remained suspended in PoK for the fourth day. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has also become active in pacifying the protesters. Shahbaz has expressed concern about the situation. After holding talks with the opposition and the local government on Monday, he approved a budget of Rs 23 billion for PoK with immediate effect.
The government of Pakistan immediately called a meeting and took a big decision
Considering the unexpected protest and its sensitivity, Prime Minister Sharif chaired a special meeting on Monday, which was attended by PoK Chief Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, local ministers and top leadership, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement. It said that Prime Minister Sharif has approved a budget of 23 billion rupees to solve the problems of the people of PoK. The meeting was also attended by ministers and leaders of coalition parties and the situation was reviewed in detail. Kashmiri leaders and those present at the meeting praised Shehbaz’s decision.
From electricity to bread prices fall in PoK
Here, PoK Prime Minister Haq announced a cut in electricity rates soon after a meeting with Shahbaz Sharif concluded. Haq said, local residents have been demanding cheaper electricity and subsidy on lot for the past few days. One cannot ignore the need for accessible electricity and cheap flour, he said. He also announced a reduction in the price of bread.
Protesters blocked roads, suspended transport services
At the same time, a protest leader from Rawalkot accused the government of adopting a strategy of avoidance. Protesters have blocked the Kohla-Muzaffarabad road and staged sit-ins at several places. The road stretches for 40 kilometers and connects the town of Kohala with Muzaffarabad in PoK. Markets, trade centers and educational institutions are closed, while transport services are suspended.
Taking the law into your own hands will not be tolerated
The government called in the Pakistan Rangers after clashes broke out between police and protesters in Mirpur during protests on Saturday. Prime Minister Sharif expressed deep concern over the violent clashes between police and protesters on Sunday and said strict action would be taken against those who take the law into their own hands. This act should not be tolerated at all. He said, I urge all parties to negotiate peacefully to resolve their demands.
The President appealed to the people to exercise restraint
To calm the tension, President Asif Ali Zardari urged all people to exercise restraint and resolve issues through dialogue and mutual consultation. He stressed that political parties, state institutions and the people of the region should act responsibly, so that the enemies cannot take advantage of the situation for their advantage. The President said that he will talk to Prime Minister Sharif to get out of the current situation. The President expressed regret over the current situation and mourned the death of the police officer. Praying for the speedy recovery of all those injured in the clash.
School to market closed due to violent protests
On Saturday, violent protesters damaged several vehicles, including a magistrate’s car, on the Poonch-Kotli road. Apart from this, markets, business centers, offices, schools and restaurants remained closed in the entire area. Following the violence, police also cracked down on protesters and arrested dozens of people in Muzaffarabad. A day earlier, the government had suspended mobile phone and internet services in various parts of the region. On May 9 and 10, police detained about 70 demonstrators on a long march.
