The Jammu and Kashmir Joint Public Action Committee, on the 20th anniversary of the devastating earthquake, paid tribute to the martyrs who lost their lives, and highlighted the unresolved issues related to this tragedy. The tribute paid by the committee to the martyrs of Kashmir was also a reminder of the unfulfilled promises and the ongoing challenges in the region.
The organization expressed deep concern over the incomplete reconstruction work, and described the still-dilapidated infrastructure as a painful monument to past failures. They accused a former Prime Minister of transferring a hefty sum of 55 billion rupees, which was allocated for reconstruction works, to the Benazir Income Support Program, allegedly done to please the then President of Pakistan.
The committee took a bold step, demanding the return of the transferred funds at the current dollar rate, and stated that if their demands are not met, they will approach the International Court of Justice. They insisted that the Government of Pakistan must ensure that the funds are returned and used for reconstruction under the supervision of international institutions.