Background: Unrest in PoK escalates into a political crisis
The protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) reached a critical point after a strike launched by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) in late September. The demonstrators, demanding a charter of 38 points they believed would address grievances, clashed with security forces, resulting in casualties and widespread disruption. The violence drew international and domestic attention as leaders sought a rapid de‑escalation and a path back to normalcy.
Negotiations and a turning point
In response to the growing unrest, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dispatched a high‑powered delegation to Muzaffarabad to broker a halt to the demonstrations. The delegation, led by former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, conducted two days of intensive talks with protest leaders. The discussions culminated in an agreement announced late at night, described by Pakistan’s minister for parliamentary affairs, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, as a “victory for peace.”
Chaudhry published a copy of the final document on social media, revealing a comprehensive 25‑point package designed to address fatalities, injuries, and the broader political‑administrative situation in PoK. The deal signals a shift from confrontation to governance, aiming to restore stability while laying out concrete steps for reform and investment.
Key provisions of the agreement
The accord includes a multi‑pronged approach to both accountability and development. Notable aspects include:
- Compensation for families of those killed in the violence, and mechanisms to address injuries and medical needs.
- Registration of cases related to terrorism and vandalism stemming from the protests, reflecting a commitment to rule of law while acknowledging grievances.
- Creation of two additional educational boards in Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions to expand access to higher‑quality schooling and standardized curricula.
- Health card implementation for PoK residents, with funds allocated for waiving medical costs and enabling access to critical services, including MRI and CT imaging capabilities in a phased rollout.
- Financial support aimed at upgrading the electricity grid, with a package totaling PKR 10 billion to improve energy reliability in the region.
- Administrative reforms, including reducing PoK’s cabinet size to 20 ministers/advisors and capping administrative secretaries, with plans to merge some departments for efficiency.
- Feasibility studies for new infrastructure, including the construction of tunnels on the Neelum Valley road to improve connectivity and resilience against natural hazards.
- Constitutional and legal considerations for the PoK Assembly, with a high‑powered committee to examine membership and representation issues.
- Steps toward establishing an international airport in Mirpur, signaling a push to enhance regional trade and accessibility.
- Tax alignment for property transfers, bringing PoK rates closer to those in major Pakistani provinces within three months.
<h2:Implications for governance and regional stability
Analysts see the agreement as a landmark moment for PoK governance, offering a blueprint for managing dissent while advancing development goals. By linking compensation to accountability and accelerating infrastructure projects, the government aims to reassure residents and deter escalation of protests in the future. The package also reflects a broader strategy to integrate PoK more closely with Pakistan’s federal framework, potentially influencing local politics and resource allocation.
What comes next
Implementation will be critical. The government must translate the 25‑point plan into concrete administrative actions, timely disbursements, and transparent oversight. Local authorities will need to coordinate with federal agencies to deliver health programs, educational reforms, and energy upgrades. Community leaders and civil society groups will likely monitor progress to ensure that promises translate into measurable improvements in daily life for PoK residents.
