Joint Awami Action Committee

PML-N and PPP each secured one seat in Muzaffarabad division following delayed elections caused by landslides and weather disruptions. PML-N's Noreen Arif won LA-27 (Kutla) with 18,919 votes, while PPP's Syed Bazil Ali Naqvi secured LA-28 (Lachhrat) with 28,214 votes. The second phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections included 12 refugee-reserved seats and faced protests over the inclusion of these seats.

Protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (Azad Jammu and Kashmir) have escalated from economic grievances like electricity bills and flour prices into broader challenges to Islamabad’s governance. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a coalition of traders, students, and activists, leads the unrest, demanding political and economic reforms amid high youth unemployment and poor public services.

AJK Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif reported that seven law enforcement personnel, including police and Rangers, were martyred during recent unrest linked to protests by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Clashes in Rawalakot and Mirpur resulted in casualties, while elections in the region faced rigging allegations. Hanif accused JAAC of harboring armed elements and spreading misinformation, rejecting claims of unprovoked violence by security forces.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari received a response from the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) regarding his proposal for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). He plans to consult stakeholders, including AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, to determine next steps amid ongoing protests over the removal of 12 refugee-reserved seats in the region’s Legislative Assembly. The regional government banned JAAC, accusing it of terrorism and destabilizing the region.

HRCP and Amnesty International have called for a prompt, independent investigation into violence in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, following clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The unrest, linked to protests by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) demanding the abolition of 12 legislative seats, has resulted in casualties and a communications blackout in the region.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police accused the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of operating under an 'agenda' to disrupt peace, citing violent attacks on security forces and recovery of sophisticated weapons, including an automatic American weapon, from arrested suspects. The police alleged that JAAC's claimed peaceful protests contradict incidents involving ambushes, casualties, and social unrest, while JAAC claims supporters were killed without official confirmation.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir's first three-phase general elections are underway amid political unrest and security concerns. Preliminary results show PML-N leading over PPP, but fears persist that phased results may influence later voting. The PTI has boycotted the polls, citing unfairness, while security clashes and irregularities have been reported.

CPI(M) and PDP have condemned the killings by security forces in POK, where 21 people were killed and dozens injured in an incident involving supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee in Rawalakot on July 27.

Officials in Pakistan-administered Kashmir accused the outlawed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and militants from the Pakistani Taliban of attempting to sabotage regional elections and infiltrating protests. Clashes between security forces and armed protesters resulted in at least one paramilitary officer killed and several others wounded, with unconfirmed reports of protester casualties.

Officials in Pakistan-administered Kashmir accused the outlawed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and militants from the Pakistani Taliban of attempting to sabotage regional elections. Violence erupted during protests, resulting in a paramilitary officer's death and injuries, with claims of armed militants using civilians as shields. The election, held in phases through August 10, faced low voter turnout amid ongoing unrest.

AJK Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif claimed a significant number of Fitna Al Khawarij terrorists, linked to banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, were present among protesters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Security forces reported armed militants using modern weapons and human shields, resulting in one police death and five injuries, with a foreign suspect arrested in Rawalakot.

The first phase of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections began in Mirpur division with 288 candidates competing across 13 constituencies. Security measures include 18,560 personnel from police, Rangers, and the Army, with polling held at 2,316 stations. The election is being conducted in three phases due to security concerns, with subsequent phases scheduled for August 2 and August 10.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced the arrest of a digital marketing professional accused of spreading anti-state content online in exchange for Indian funding. The suspect allegedly used bot farms to promote sectarian violence and anti-army narratives, with WhatsApp chats and transactions linking him to Indian operators. The government claims irrefutable evidence of ties between the arrested individual and the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which it accuses of harming the Kashmir cause.

The 2026 Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) legislative election is unfolding amid violent protests led by the defunct Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and the absence of two major political groups, JAAC and PTI, which have historically influenced the region's politics. The election will be held in three phases due to security concerns, with the third phase in Poonch (Rawlakot) division delayed until August 10, raising questions about the legitimacy and representativeness of the new legislative assembly.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections are shaping as a contest between PML-N's Nawaz Sharif and PPP's Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, with both leaders intensifying campaigns. PML-N faces criticism over its perceived role in a crackdown on JAAC protests, while PPP claims the federal government, not the AJK administration, is responsible for the unrest.

A personal security guard of former Azad Jammu and Kashmir prime minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas was killed when his convoy came under fire in Poonch district. The guard, Muhammad Asif, was shot while shielding Ilyas during the attack near Tain-Dhalkot bridge over the Jhelum River. Ilyas alleged the attack was by members of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee, though this claim remains unverified.

Political efforts in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) ahead of elections focus on engaging with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which protests against refugee seats in the legislature. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Nawaz Sharif are visiting the region to campaign, while the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Chairman Syed Qamar Raza attempted a personal initiative to persuade JAAC leaders to abandon violence.

Azad Kashmir has experienced violent protests since June led by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), resulting in approximately 30 deaths. The JAAC's demand to abolish refugee seats in the AJK legislature has caused a deadlock, while political actors propose negotiations to restore calm ahead of regional polls.

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) postponed its planned long march on Muzaffarabad for a week following back-channel negotiations involving intermediaries like Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Chairman Syed Qamar Raza and Chaudhry Zafar Anwar. Talks aimed at resolving the standoff reportedly reached broad agreement, with remaining issues to be finalized, while no violence was reported in Poonch and Sudhnoti.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir Home Secretary Chaudhry Guftar Hussain accused the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of using coordinated social media campaigns with baseless claims to incite people against the state. He highlighted JAAC's use of women and children as human shields, disruption of education and roads, and clashes in Poonch that killed two law enforcers and seven JAAC activists. The government reaffirmed its commitment to holding elections on July 27 and restoring normalcy.

PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed concern over the ongoing protests and clashes in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) ahead of July 27 elections, warning that the situation could harm the Kashmir cause and Pakistan’s reputation. The tensions stem from the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) demanding the abolition of 12 Legislative Assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Clashes between police and supporters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee in Pakistan-administered Kashmir left a police officer dead and several wounded. The group had blocked roads for a month, demanding the abolition of 12 Legislative Assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian-controlled Kashmir, a demand rejected by the regional Supreme Court.

Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) plans to form a Kashmir peace jirga to mediate between the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government and the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) to restore stability. A committee led by JI Deputy Emir Liaqat Baloch will oversee the initiative, which includes engaging civil society and former officials to resolve issues like the AJK Legislative Assembly's reserved seats through dialogue.

AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore supports a JAAC leader's criticism of individuals misusing the platform, urging dialogue over protests. Senior JAAC leader Umar Nazir Kashmari clarifies that only core leadership statements represent the organization, distancing it from controversial speeches by activists like Sardar Aman.

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) announced a July 14 deadline for the acceptance of its demands, threatening to resume a march on Muzaffarabad if unmet. Two people were killed near Rawalakot during clashes between law enforcement and JAAC activists blocking a food convoy.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir Information Department Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif claimed state institutions have evidence of Indian funding behind the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in the region. He alleged JAAC members conducted violent activities, including road blockades and anti-Pakistan rhetoric, while promoting an independent Kashmir agenda.

Clashes between protesters and law enforcement were reported in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following demonstrations organized by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Injuries were reported in Mirpur district, while internet services remained suspended for 30 days. Some protests in other areas, including Khaliqabad and Islamgarh, remained peaceful.

Government officials in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have dismissed rumors of long marches by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), confirming smaller demonstrations at protest sites. The Poonch administration recommended disciplinary action against 70+ officials for participating in sit-ins, while the AJK police denied claims of attacking protesters.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed the law and order situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) after month-long protests by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The intensity of protests has subsided, with ongoing demonstrations in Rawalakot and calm in Muzaffarabad. The PM emphasized prioritizing public service and resolving issues.

PTI announced a boycott of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) general election, citing political and social unrest, government use of force, and economic distress caused by suspended food supplies. The party emphasized a principled stance to align with public aspirations and demanded resolution of grievances before participating in elections.

Confusion surrounds the reported arrest of Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir, with activists claiming his capture while officials remain silent. Mir, a wanted figure facing sedition charges, was reportedly detained near Airan Nullah, along with two other suspects, though no official confirmation was provided. The government continues to search for other JAAC leaders Sohaib Javed and Hafeez Hamdani.

Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman urged the government to resolve the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) crisis through dialogue, avoiding force and engaging with the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). JI emphasized mediation to prevent unrest and warned against actions that could benefit India's propaganda on the Kashmir issue.

Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) is seeing a return to normalcy as a prolonged strike subsides. Officials dismiss the Joint Awami Action Committee's (JAAC) call for election boycott as a strategy to maintain relevance, while the AJK government prepares to unveil a Rs286 billion budget for 2026-27. Transport and commercial activities are gradually resuming, though fuel shortages remain a challenge.

AJK police chief Liaqat Ali Malik warned against disinformation and AI-generated content, confirming open entry points for traffic and denying reports of transport restrictions. He accused JAAC activists of erecting barriers and disrupting goods transport, while urging media to verify reports with official sources.

The AJK government has rejected a blanket amnesty for leaders of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), citing their responsibility for recent violence and deaths. The dispute centers on the JAAC's demand to abolish 12 Legislative Assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The government offered constitutional avenues for dialogue but accused the JAAC of expanding demands from two to 38 points.

The chairman of Pakistan's Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir requested a meeting with opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai to discuss the political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), focusing on disputes over the 12 refugee seats in its Legislative Assembly. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) opposes these seats, leading to tensions with regional authorities ahead of July 27 elections.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) listed 147 activists and supporters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act. A standoff between JAAC protesters and law enforcement in Rawalakot continued, with a region-wide strike entering its 11th day and disrupting daily life in Poonch and Muzaffarabad divisions.

The JAAC protest in Rawalakot has visibly decreased, with most participants leaving, while a shutter-down strike continues across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) for seven days. Authorities eased curfew restrictions in parts of Rawalakot but internet outages disrupted banking, and mobile vendors began operating in some areas. The AJK Legislative Assembly is set to meet to discuss employee regularization and other resolutions.

The PPP urges protesters in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to end demonstrations, citing harm to Pakistan’s international reputation and the Kashmir cause. The party’s AJK wing calls for withdrawing the election schedule amid clashes that killed two people in Rawalakot, while the PML-N insists on proceeding with elections. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari emphasizes resolving grievances through democratic means and highlights a pending US-Iran peace agreement mediated by Pakistan.

PPP-AJK urged the election commission to withdraw the polling schedule for 12 refugee seats in Azad Jammu and Kashmir amid unrest, citing the need for dialogue to address protests by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) against the reservation of these seats for refugees from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.