ISLAMABAD, Jan 05 (APP): Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam on Monday said the government is committed to implementing the agreement with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference on the implementation of the agreement reached with the Joint Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), Amir Muqam, flanked by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, said that the date of the meeting was not decided abruptly but was finalized earlier during a joint meeting held in Muzaffarabad.
It was mutually agreed that the next meeting would take place in Islamabad on January 5. Accordingly, the meeting was announced and held as per schedule, but the Action Committee members did not attend the meeting.
Amir Muqam stated that following public protests in AJK, an agreement comprising 38 points was signed between the federal government and the Awami Action Committee after extensive negotiations. On the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a high-powered committee was constituted, which held multiple meetings in Islamabad and Muzaffarabad to review progress on the agreed points.
He acknowledged that there had been some delay in implementation, particularly during the tenure of the former Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir. He said this delay led to the decision to bring political change in the region. He noted that the current Prime Minister of AJK has been in office for only one month and has already convened several cabinet meetings, issued necessary orders, and secured cabinet approvals to implement the agreed demands.
The federal minister praised the present AJK government for its performance and said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally monitored the agreement and visited Azad Kashmir to assure the people of its implementation.
Giving details of implementation, the minister said that out of around 192 FIRs registered during the protests, 177 have been withdrawn, while only 15 serious cases related to deaths remain. All arrested protesters have been released. On the demand for scrutiny of additional FIRs, the AJK cabinet approved the formation of a judicial commission, and the matter has been referred to the Chief Justice of AJK.
He added that, in line with the agreement, the number of ministers and secretaries has been capped at 20, departments have been merged to reduce their number, and suspended employees have been reinstated. Compensation has been paid to the injured and families of those who lost their lives during the protests, and employment has been provided to the heirs of the deceased.
On financial and administrative matters, Amir Muqam said the capital requirements of the AJK Bank have been fulfilled, increasing its paid-up capital to Rs10 billion. An international consulting firm has been hired, and a core banking system is being introduced. Issues related to Mangla Dam compensation are being addressed by a ministerial committee led by Finance Minister Chaudhry Qasim Majeed.
He added that demands regarding taxation and property transfer have been accepted. Property transfer-related ordinances have been sent to the President and are expected to be approved within days.
Regarding connectivity and education, Amir Muqam said that the CEO and board members of the Universal Service Fund (USF) have been appointed, and cellular and internet service-related demands have been addressed. Two education boards have been approved by the AJK cabinet, and the implementation of the open merit policy in medical college seats was implemented this year. Student unions have also been restored.
On development projects, Amir Muqam said feasibility studies and work have started on water supply schemes in 10 districts, including Muzaffarabad, Jhelum Valley, Sundhoti, and Kotli. Several schemes have been approved by the cabinet, tendering has been completed, and work is in progress. Bridge projects and access roads are also being developed.
The minister announced that the Health Card scheme would be launched by January 20, while demand for e-tendering for electricity meters has been accepted, and an ordinance regarding changes in NAB laws will be issued soon.
In the health sector, he announced that the Health Card scheme will be launched by January 20. Estimates for MRI and CT scan machines have been prepared and forwarded, while operating theaters and nursery-level healthcare facilities are being upgraded.
On refugee representation, he said a legal committee had been agreed upon, and the federal government has issued a notification forming a committee comprising representatives of the AJK government and the Action Committee.
He also informed that the Civil Aviation Authority has prepared a feasibility report for an airport project and forwarded it to the relevant department.
The press conference was attended by Finance and Inland Revenue Minister Chaudhry Qasim Majeed, Elementary and Secondary Education Minister Deevan Ali Khan.