Key Points
- Ban imposed under AJK Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014.
- AJK President approves inclusion in Anti-Terrorism Act schedule.
ISLAMABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on Friday declared the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee as proscribed organisation under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014, accusing it of activities detrimental to public peace, security and state stability.
A notification issued by the Home Department said the government had “reasonable grounds to believe” that the organisation — also known as the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and Awami Action Committee (AAC) — was engaged in terrorism and activities aimed at creating disorder in the state.
According to the notification, the organisation had been involved in intimidating the public, promoting hatred, creating a sense of insecurity and fostering anarchy, thereby posing a threat to peace and security in Azad Kashmir.
The notification stated that, in exercise of powers under Section 12 of the AJK Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014, the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir had approved the inclusion of JAAC in the First Schedule of the Act as a proscribed organisation.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions ahead of a June 9 strike and long march announced by the group following the collapse of recent negotiations with the AJK and federal governments.
Escalating confrontation
The ban marks the sharpest action yet by authorities against the movement, which has emerged as a significant pressure group in Azad Kashmir over the past three years.
In recent months, the group expanded its agenda beyond economic issues, pressing for structural political changes, including the abolition of 12 legislative assembly seats reserved for Kashmiris residing in Pakistan. The proposal was rejected by an All-Parties Conference convened by the AJK government this week, where political parties unanimously opposed the demand.
Authorities have argued that repeated calls for strikes, road blockades and shutdowns risk disrupting economic activity, public services and administrative functioning.
