Overview: A fragile step toward restoring calm in PoK
The government of Pakistan announced a major breakthrough on the crisis in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after signing a detailed agreement with protest leaders. The agreement aims to end the violent demonstrations that had gripped Muzaffarabad and surrounding districts, claiming lives and injuring hundreds of people, including civilians and police personnel. The move follows days of intensified protests that began on September 29 and escalated after talks with officials reportedly stalled.
What the deal includes
According to a high-level statement, the agreement contains a 25-point framework addressing both immediate relief and longer-term governance reforms. Highlights include compensation for families of those killed, the registration of terrorism-related cases tied to the violence and vandalism, and procedural clarity for accountability. The government also pledged several concrete steps to bolster public services and infrastructure in PoK.
Health and education commitments
On health, authorities agreed to deliver health cards for free treatment in PoK within 15 days, with the federal government coordinating the rollout of imaging facilities like MRIs and CT scanners across districts in a phased approach. The establishment of two additional intermediate and secondary educational boards in Muzaffarabad and the Poonch division was also announced, signaling a drive to improve local educational administration and access.
Public funding and infrastructure
The agreement allocates PKR 10 billion to upgrade the electricity grid in PoK, a critical step amid frequent outages that have affected daily life and the protests’ momentum. Feasibility studies were ordered for two tunnels along the Neelum Valley road (Kahori/Kamser and Chaplani) to improve transport links and resilience in the region.
Administrative reform and governance
A significant portion of the pact focuses on governance reform. The cabinet size in PoK will be reduced to 20 ministers/advisors, with a cap on administrative secretaries as well. Some departments will be merged to streamline decision-making, reflecting a broader effort to address bureaucratic inefficiencies cited during the unrest.
Constitutional and legal considerations
To address the political dimensions of PoK, the parties agreed that a high-powered committee of legal and constitutional experts would review the status and composition of the PoK Assembly. This step signals an intent to reassess representation and legislative processes amid ongoing debates about autonomy and governance in PoK.
Security, accountability and future steps
The agreement also contains commitments related to security and accountability. The government will register terrorism-related cases arising from the violence and ensure proper legal channels are followed for those involved, including both protesters and security personnel. The immediate outcome on the ground was the reopening of all roads, with protestors returning to their homes as per government statements.
Implications and public reaction
Analysts say the deal marks a pragmatic pivot for Islamabad to calm a volatile situation and to avoid a broader confrontation that could destabilize PoK and neighboring regions. While the agreement is hailed by some as a victory for peace, critics may watch closely how effectively the promised reforms are implemented and whether compensation and health initiatives translate into tangible benefits for residents.
What happens next
With high-level talks concluded and the protest leadership committed to winding down demonstrations, the focus will shift to implementation. Officials say they will monitor progress, release funds, and set milestones for the new educational boards, health services, and energy projects. If successful, the accord could establish a blueprint for managing PoK tensions through collaboration between government authorities and local representatives.
