After violent protests in Mirpur left one police officer dead and over 70 others injured, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq announced that the government was willing to provide relief in the price of wheat flour and electricity.
"The government conducted discussions with the Awami Action Committee (AAC), and we reached a consensus that we are going to implement," said PM Haq.
This comes after tensions between the police and the AAC broke out on Saturday as protests against excessive taxes and electricity bills reached their second day in Mirpur.
PM Haq discussed the situation and stated that although a police officer was martyred as a result of the protests, the AJK police were patient throughout the siege and arson.
"We are prepared to negotiate with AAC at all levels, and any concerns related to the government of Pakistan will be brought before the federation," stated the prime minister.
The PM of AJK said that although the AAC had declared a long march in support of their demands, some miscreants were present among the demonstrators. "The government ensured that no force was used during the protest," he said.
He said that propaganda was being disseminated on social media, adding that public security was their top priority and that the AJK administration exhibited patience.
PM Haq promised that the government would even cut the development budget if necessary to lower the price of wheat flour and electricity.
According to sources, President Asif Ali Zardari has convened an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in AJK at the President's House on Monday (tomorrow).
According to the sources, the president has directed stakeholders to submit suggestions for solving the matter.
Mobile phone and internet services were suspended in several areas of AJK today, including Bhimber and Bagh Towns.
Meanwhile, all mobile and internet services have been suspended in Mirpur.