MUZAFFARABAD (MNN); Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Home Secretary Chaudhry Guftar Hussain on Wednesday accused the recently proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of running coordinated propaganda campaigns and inciting people against the state through what he described as baseless allegations.
Addressing a press conference, Hussain alleged that the banned organisation had used women and children as “human shields” after its leadership failed to fulfil its commitments. He said such actions were contrary to Kashmiri traditions and values, adding that disrupting students’ education amounted to jeopardising their future.
The home secretary claimed the JAAC promoted anti-state narratives, attempted to create hostility against the Pakistan Army, undermine the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and AJK, block roads, restrict public movement and disrupt normal life.
He maintained that these actions demonstrated the group’s objective was not to safeguard public rights but to undermine peace, law and order, and economic stability in AJK. Hussain reiterated that the government would continue taking all necessary measures to ensure public safety and maintain peace.
He further alleged that JAAC members had initiated violent incidents while blaming state institutions and claimed armed elements associated with the group had attacked unarmed civilians. According to Hussain, the organisation portrayed itself as a victim whenever its workers suffered casualties.
The home secretary reaffirmed that the AJK Legislative Assembly elections would be held as scheduled on July 27, noting that election campaigns were continuing across the region. He also appreciated political parties for actively campaigning in Poonch Division despite the prevailing security situation.
AJK Police spokesperson Irfan Masood Kashfi said law enforcement agencies were continuing operations to remove road blockades and restore normal traffic. He said roads in the Shujaabad Kotera area had been reopened and vowed that operations would continue until all major routes were cleared, adding that no armed group would be allowed to challenge state institutions.
Recent clashes in Poonch Division claimed the lives of two law enforcement personnel and seven JAAC activists, while earlier confrontations also resulted in casualties and injuries. Authorities launched a crackdown on the proscribed organisation after it announced a protest campaign and long march, following its designation as a banned organisation on June 5.
Bilawal Calls for Political Solution
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari described the ongoing situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir as deeply concerning, warning that prolonged unrest could damage both the Kashmir cause and Pakistan’s international standing.
Addressing PPP workers and election candidates ahead of the July 27 AJK elections, Bilawal stressed that while no one should use inappropriate language against Kashmiris or the Pakistan Army, all political issues must be resolved through peaceful dialogue.
He emphasised that every Kashmiri citizen has the constitutional right to raise political, economic and constitutional grievances peacefully, warning against branding peaceful protesters as terrorists or anti-state elements without due process.
Bilawal proposed the establishment of an independent Truth and Reconciliation Commission, constituted with the consensus of all stakeholders, to investigate recent events, review grievances of all sides, examine previous agreements and recommend a lasting political solution.
He said the commission should impartially investigate allegations against both protesters and law enforcement personnel and help restore public trust through transparent findings.
The PPP chairman appealed to protesters to suspend sit-ins and demonstrations once such a commission was formed, while urging the government to avoid further coercive measures during the reconciliation process.
Bilawal expressed condolences over the recent loss of lives, describing every civilian and security official’s life as equally precious. He also revealed that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had assured him that the proposal would be discussed with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Despite the prevailing unrest, Bilawal affirmed that the PPP would fully participate in the July 27 elections and continue pursuing a peaceful and democratic resolution to the crisis.
