ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on Kashmir Solidarity Day, announced increasing the monthly per capita subsistence allowance for Kashmiri refugees (1989–90) to Rs 5,000.
According to the Government of Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated unwavering support for Kashmiris on Solidarity Day.
The allowance was raised from the previous rate of Rs 3,500, with the announcement made by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Engineer Amir Muqam, on Kashmir Solidarity Day (February 5).
This applies to the post-1989 (or 1990) refugees from Jammu and Kashmir living in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The previous allowance was Rs 3,500 per month, which was considered insufficient by refugee representatives for covering food, education, rent, and healthcare.
Along with the allowance, the government is working on a pilot project to construct 750 residential houses for these refugees.
The community consists of approximately 46,000 people (spread across over 8,000 families) residing in various camps and rented accommodations across AJK.
Pakistan will stand with Kashmiris
The Government of Pakistan has said that the complete rehabilitation of refugees from Jammu and Kashmir is a national duty, and Pakistan will stand with Kashmiris until they achieve their right to self-determination.
A pilot project comprising the construction of 750 residential houses with Rs 3 billion from the Government of Pakistan is underway. The Government of Azad Kashmir has provided land for the construction of these houses.
The Government of Pakistan states that Pakistan was, is, and always will be with Kashmiris.
It is worth noting that the 1989 refugees had been protesting for a long time for an increase in the subsistence allowance and provision of shelter, and they had also written a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
