The Awami Action Committee has recently unveiled a 38-point charter of demands, claiming it will provide “relief” to the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). However, a closer and more objective review reveals that this charter is misleading and, if implemented, could severely damage the region’s social and economic structure.
◾ AJK Budget and Tax Burden
For the fiscal year 2025–26, the approved budget of AJK stands at Rs310 billion. Out of this, Rs153 billion comes from AJK’s own revenue, while Rs157 billion is provided as federal support. More than half of this budget goes to salaries and pensions of government employees. If taxes are reduced as proposed in the charter, the direct impact will be on development projects, infrastructure, and essential services such as health and education. The pressing question is: what concrete plan does the Awami Action Committee have to bridge this financial gap?
◾ Reserved Seats for Refugees
The demand to abolish 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees is particularly dangerous. These seats symbolize Pakistan and AJK’s principled stance on the Kashmir issue. Removing them would mean accepting the status quo in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir—an agenda that may serve Indian interests but is unacceptable to Pakistan and the people of AJK.
◾ Tourism and Economic Losses
Over the last 18 months, protests and road blockades by the Awami Action Committee have led to a 48% decline in tourism, costing the region an estimated Rs167 billion. Violent demonstrations and instability further discouraged investors, causing an additional Rs250 billion in economic losses. The supposed relief from tax cuts pales in comparison to these massive, self-inflicted losses.
◾ Telecommunications and Connectivity
AJK’s telecom network consists of 1,411 towers, including 218 SCOM towers serving remote and border areas. The average installation cost of an SCOM tower is Rs50 million, with monthly maintenance at Rs500,000. Yet, the average revenue per tower is just Rs40,000–50,000. Despite this imbalance, SCOM ensures connectivity in areas where private telecom firms refuse to operate. If SCOM’s operations are undermined, who will guarantee communication for residents of these remote regions?
◾ Comparative Social Indicators
Despite challenges, AJK’s governance system has delivered significant progress, with key social indicators far better than those in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir:
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Literacy rate: AJK 76.8% vs. IOK 67%
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Doctor-patient ratio: AJK 1:2,315 vs. IOK 1:2,660
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Hospital beds per 1,000 people: AJK 0.8 vs. IOK 0.6
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Telecom coverage: AJK 100% vs. IOK 69.98%
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Poverty rate: AJK 22% vs. IOK 49%
These achievements are the outcome of years of consistent policies and cannot be jeopardized by disruptive agendas.
◾ Democracy vs. Violence
If the Awami Action Committee or any other group has concerns, they should raise them through the democratic process and the elected legislative assembly—not through violent protests. Such actions not only harm ordinary citizens but also weaken economic activity and play into the hands of forces seeking instability in the region.
◾ The Real Motive Behind the Charter
An impartial and fact-based analysis makes it clear that the Awami Action Committee’s 38-point charter is baseless. Instead of serving public welfare, it reflects the political ambitions of a few power-hungry individuals. Violence and chaos are no solution. Dialogue, legislation, and democratic inclusion remain the only sustainable path forward.
