A major political breakthrough has been achieved in Azad Jammu and Kashmir as negotiations between the federal government and the Awami Action Committee concluded successfully, resulting in a historic agreement.

The agreement, signed after lengthy dialogues, brings an end to the recent unrest in the region.

The negotiations were held on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with a high-level government committee formed to address the crisis.

The talks were chaired by former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and included key federal ministers Rana Sanaullah, Ahsan Iqbal, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Amir Muqam, and Qamar Zaman Kaira.

The AJK government was represented by Faisal Mumtaz and Diwan Ali Chughtai, while the Awami Action Committee was led by Raja Amjad, Shaukat Nawaz, and Anjum Zaman.

Under the agreement, a judicial commission will be formed to investigate recent violent incidents.

In addition, martyrs’ families to receive compensation equal to that of government personnel, while injured protestors to be compensated with Rs1 million and given government jobs.

As part of the agreement new educational boards will be established in Muzaffarabad and Poonch, which will be affiliated with the Federal Board, Islamabad.

Displaced families in Mirpur will receive land possession within 30 days.

The agreement also assured that amendments to the Local Government Act 1990 will be made within 90 days.

The government will release health card funding within 15 days, while MRI and CT scan machines will be provided in every district.

An investment of Rs10 billion in AJK’s electricity infrastructure will be made as part of the accord.

The size of the AJK will be restricted to 20 ministers and advisers as per the agreement.

The Accountability Bureau and the Anti-Corruption Department will be merged and laws will be aligned with NAB regulations.

A high-level monitoring committee will be formed to oversee the implementation of the agreement, chaired by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam.

The committee will also handle any future disputes.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal hailed the agreement as a “victory for Pakistan, Azad Kashmir, and democracy,” emphasizing that the people of Kashmir stand as the frontline defenders of Pakistan’s stance on the region.

“The public raised their voice through the Joint Action Committee, and the government responded with seriousness and respect,” he added.

Rana Sanaullah expressed deep regret over the loss of lives during the unrest and appreciated the cooperation of the Awami Action Committee.

“All legitimate demands have been accepted. A legal action committee will meet every 15 days to ensure compliance,” he stated.

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said the agreement was reached amicably despite attempts by some to escalate the crisis.

“Both sides have shown maturity and unity. There exists a strong bond of love between the people of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir,” he added.

Amir Muqam echoed similar sentiments, adding, “Our enemies hoped for chaos, but their intentions have been decisively defeated. The welfare of the Kashmiri people remains our top priority.”