• PM stresses need for resolving issues through dialogue, warns against chaos in the state
• Minister says govt withdrew 177 of 192 FIRs registered against protesters, paid compensation to families of those killed in October incidents
• Points out Centre assured Rs10bn for upgrading electricity system

MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on Friday claimed it had resolved or was moving towards resolution of more than 90 per cent of the issues agreed upon with the Jammu and Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), less than two months after assuming office.

Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore made the claim during a multimedia briefing for journalists on the clause-by-clause implementation of the 39-point agreement with the rights movement. The briefing was held at the PM office soon after the fifth cabinet meeting. 

The premier was accompanied by Finance and Inland Revenue Minister Chaudhry Qasim Majeed, Information and Religious Affairs Minister Rafique Nair, Elementary and Secondary Education Minister Deevan Ali Khan Chughtai, Chief Secretary Khushal Khan and other senior officials.

“The issues that had pushed people onto the streets were made our top priority from day one, and we did not waste a moment in taking steps in the public interest,” the prime minister said, adding that his government took office on Nov 17 and had since worked to restore public confidence in the political system.

He said a widening gap between the government and the public during the previous regime had been bridged through dialogue and engagement, and stressed that his government would not allow any atmosphere of chaos in the state. “This state can no longer afford the loss of lives,” he said.

“Even the most serious problems can be resolved through dialogue, provided it is practical and based on facts,” he added.

Describing members of the JKJAAC as “our own people,” Mr Rathore said his government had no ego and remained committed to addressing public grievances, including issues beyond the agreement. He said the doors of the Prime Minister’s Office, ministers and the bureaucracy were open to the public, and announced that an investment conference before the upcoming free and fair general elections would be held in the state.

Taking the floor after his remarks, Mr Majeed, a member of the government’s negotiating team, said that under the agreement, the government had withdrawn 177 of 192 FIRs registered against protesters, paid compensation to families of those killed or injured in the October 2025 incidents, and provided jobs to next of kin of the deceased.

He added that all government employees suspended for participating in the movement had also been reinstated.

He said judicial commissions were being formed to review FIRs related to fatalities and incidents in several districts, while a monitoring and implementation committee had been constituted and had already held its first meeting to regularly assess progress on the agreement.

The minister said the cabinet had approved the issuance of health cards, the establishment of two additional boards of intermediate and secondary education for Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions, and amendments to the local government law, though the latter matter was pending before the high court.

He added that a committee comprising ministers and student representatives had been formed to work on the restoration of student unions and to propose a code of conduct.

Mr Majeed said the federal government had assured Rs10 billion for upgrading the electricity system, while PC-Is worth Rs5.5bn had been approved for installing MRI and CT scan machines in district hospitals. He said a chief executive officer had been appointed for the Universal Service Fund to improve cellular and internet connectivity in AJK, adding that feasibility studies had been completed or were under way for major water supply schemes across the state.

Continuing, he said the government had retained a 20-member cabinet in line with the agreement and rationalised departments accordingly.

Referring to financial reforms, he said the government had provided Rs2.9bn to the Bank of AJK to help it meet the requirements for scheduling, and that the bank’s digital application would be launched soon. Some demands, including the abolition of advance tax, required further review due to their fiscal impact, he said, adding that consultations with the JKJAAC were continuing.

Both the premier and the finance minister expressed gratitude to the president, the prime minister and the government of Pakistan, as well as the PPP chairman and national institutions for their cooperation in implementing the agreement.

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2026