Leadership in Practice

Electricity Pricing Crisis Sparks Outcry in Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Residents Demand Fairness and Accountability By Engr. Sardar Aftab Khan Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) - The picturesque region of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, known for its breathtaking landscapes and serene beauty, has lately been overshadowed by an electricity crisis that has sent shockwaves through the lives of its 4.319 million citizens. The exorbitant cost of electricity is disrupting daily life and pushing some of the most vulnerable residents to the brink, with reports of extreme hardship emerging due to the financial burden of high electricity bills. In a region where electricity is essential for daily life, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) residents are taking to the streets in protest against soaring electricity prices. These ongoing protests in AJK were organised by Awami Action committees, started from Rawalakot in May 2023 and now spreading across AJK. They reveal citizens' concerns about ownership, fair pricing

Expensive Electricity Crisis in Azad Jammu and Kashmir- Understanding the Key Issues and Demands Prepared by   Sardar Aftab Khan, Executive Director, Kashmir Development Foundation, on behalf of JKGB Dialogue Forum .  This briefing paper aims to provide an overview of the key issues and demands of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) citizens regarding electricity pricing. It benefits from the insights provided by Akram Sohail, former Secretary of the Electricity Department, AJK. It outlines  the primary concerns, demands, and the context of the ongoing protests in AJK. Key Issues 1.      Electricity Pricing Disparities   a)     AJK generates substantial electricity from its water resources, including projects like Mangala, Neelum Jhelum, and others. b)     Despite being the source of this electricity, AJK residents have faced significant disparities in electricity pricing compared to other regions. 2.      Historical Tariff Changes   a)     In the past, AJK received a bulk tariff of