MUZAFFARABAD: Daily life in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) began returning to normal after six days of shutter-down and wheel-jam protests.
Markets reopened, banks saw long queues of customers, and traffic choked major roads in Muzaffarabad and other towns.
Attendance in government offices, which had remained low last week due to transport disruptions, was reported normal. Shops were busy with shoppers restocking essentials after days of shortages, while public transport resumed operations.
Banks Overwhelmed as Salaries and Pensions Released
The biggest crowds were seen at banks that had technically remained open during the strike but saw little activity. On Monday, government employees and pensioners flooded branches to withdraw delayed payments.
With cash in hand, residents rushed to markets and pharmacies to restock essentials.
Pharmacies, though exempt from the protest, had largely remained shut. “We had to call in all staff today,” said Faisal Javed, owner of a leading pharmacy. “Our customers had been waiting for days to refill prescriptions.”
Educational institutions also reopened, with students returning to classrooms after an unplanned break caused by the protests.
A meeting of 16 government secretaries was held under AJK Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan to review the implementation of the federal agreement reached with the JAAC.
“We have already moved a summary for cabinet approval,” Mr. Khan told Dawn. “A reference has also been sent to the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs for ratification by the federal cabinet.”
He confirmed that all detained activists had been released, emphasizing the government’s commitment to upholding peace and stability in the region through dialogue and cooperation with local representatives.
Organisers of the protest, had sought fairer electricity and wheat prices, improved public services, and reduced privileges for top officials. In response, the government pledged to reform energy pricing based on local production costs, enhance social sector spending, and allocate funds to strengthen AJK’s power infrastructure—reflecting Islamabad’s commitment to equitable development and addressing citizens’ needs through dialogue.
