The decision came in response to rare but peaceful demonstrations by police personnel, who gathered outside the offices of their respective district police chiefs on Monday and Tuesday, demanding improvements in their pay and service conditions under a 10-point charter of demands.
Speaking at a press conference in Muzaffarabad, AJK’s Senior Minister for Home Affairs Waqar Ahmed Noor acknowledged the concerns raised by the police and said the government had taken prompt steps to address many of them.
He was accompanied by Finance Minister Abdul Majid Khan, Law Minister Mian Abdul Waheed, Food Minister Chaudhry Akbar Ibrahim, and Information Secretary Sardar Adnan Khurshid.
“Our police force is one of the best law enforcement agencies. Over the past two years, it has shown remarkable professionalism and restraint in dealing with difficult situations, including mass protests, long marches, and acts of terrorism,” Mr Noor said, adding that the force had suffered injuries but never acted with aggression.
He noted that terrorism was a new challenge for AJK, but police personnel had risen to the occasion, even sacrificing their lives to protect civilians.
“Realising their commitment and growing responsibilities, the government allocated Rs 4 billion for the police in the last budget and took several capacity-building measures, including infrastructure development, logistics, and fresh recruitments,” he said.
However, Mr Noor admitted that the existing risk, ration, and uniform allowances had not kept pace with the evolving situation. He said the risk allowance, previously frozen at the 2008 basic pay scale, would now be aligned with the 2015 pay scale.
Regarding uniforms, he said the government had been allocating Rs 110 million annually for this purpose, much of which was consumed by contractors and taxes. “Now, this amount will be paid directly to personnel as part of their monthly salary,” he said. He also confirmed an increase in ration allowance.
When asked about the financial impact of the decision, both the home and finance ministers said calculations were underway.
On the remaining demands of the police, the cabinet has decided to form a committee of senior police officers to provide recommendations.
“The government will implement these not as a favour, but as a right, given the unique and round-the-clock nature of their duties,” Mr Noor said.
“All issues may not have been resolved, but we are committed to addressing them sincerely.”
Mr Noor also alleged that some elements had tried to exploit the protests but were rejected by the police personnel themselves. “Thankfully, the matter has now been settled, and all personnel are back at their posts.”
Responding to a question, the law minister maintained that the government had not suppressed any public voice through the use of force.
“If a public sentiment is emerging and the government is not crushing it with coercion, it should be seen as a positive sign and appreciated,” he said.
He emphasised that while the state had “one hundred and one ways” to assert its authority, the AJK government had instead demonstrated a high level of tolerance.
“We have endured even the harshest criticism without turning it into an issue of ego,” he remarked, adding that when governments allow ego to take over, it leads to confrontation, destruction, and ultimately a breakdown of the system.
“It is therefore incumbent upon the government to act with tolerance and forbearance, and that is precisely why many matters are now progressing in a constructive direction,” he said.
Rain-related preparedness
Mr Noor also briefed the media about the government’s preparations in light of the Met Office’s forecast of eight critical weather spells, four of which are still expected.
He said all departments had been put on high alert to respond to potential flash floods. Vulnerable homes along water channels had been identified, and notices issued to occupants to remain ready for evacuation. Educational institutions had been designated as temporary shelters for relocated families.
“If anyone refuses to leave despite imminent danger, the administration will use force to evacuate them until the threat subsides,” he warned.
Mr Noor informed that around Rs 800 million had been placed at the disposal of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) to ensure the availability of emergency supplies, including tents, mattresses, dry rations, and utensils, across all districts.
Five remote-controlled boats had been procured for rescue operations, and the government was considering the purchase of heavy drones capable of airlifting stranded individuals, he added.
When asked whether any action was planned against officials who allowed illegal construction along water channels, both the home and finance ministers avoided a direct answer, saying the priority at the moment was to save lives.
The cabinet, Mr Noor added, also unanimously paid tribute to the people resisting Indian repression in occupied Kashmir, as well as to the martyrs from the army, police, and those lost to harsh weather.
Finance Minister Majid Khan interjected to state that the cabinet also reaffirmed its support for the 12 constitutionally protected legislative seats reserved for the Pakistan based refugees from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Tariq Naqash
No comments:
Post a Comment