ISLAMABAD: Another key member of Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), Iftikhar Mahmood, has announced his complete dissociation from the group over its involvement in anti-state and violent activities.
In a video message on Tuesday, the member from Bagh rejected the unrest created by the proscribed committee and appealed to the youth to return to positive politics.
Iftikhar Mahmood, Chairman of the All Azad Kashmir Anjuman-e-Tajiran and a member of the banned Action Committee, strongly condemned the activities of the banned Awami Action Committee.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the banned Awami Action Committee has received another major blow as its Core Member from Bagh, Iftikhar Mahmood has announced his complete disassociation from the group@OfficialDGISPR#News #RadioPakistanhttps://t.co/feqXcNiXQm pic.twitter.com/GBEJBlsA23
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) June 23, 2026
He announced a complete boycott of the banned committee, alleging its involvement in anti-state and violent activities.
Mahmood stated that the movement, which originally began as a peaceful campaign, had been deliberately hijacked by certain elements seeking to undermine the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir.
He further asserted that some individuals were exploiting the platform of the banned Action Committee to spread anti-Pakistan sentiments and rhetoric.
Yesterday, two other key members of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), Anjum Zaman Awan and Advocate Amjad Ali Khan, also parted ways with the organisation, highlighting growing differences within the group.
No amnesty for proscribed JAAC leaders
Meanwhile, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has ruled out any blanket amnesty for leaders of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), holding them accountable for recent deaths and violence and pledging to pursue legal action against them.
The regional administration and the JAAC remain at loggerheads over a number of issues, most notably the committee’s demand for the abolition of the 12 seats in the Legislative Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir who settled in Pakistan following the 1947 partition.
Read Also: Central Leader of Azad Jammu & Kashmir’s Banned Joint Action Committee Quits Group
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Inspector General of Police (IGP) Liaqat Ali Malik, Chief Secretary Khushal Khan said that divisions had emerged within the JAAC leadership over the ongoing process of negotiations and mediation.
There will be no blanket amnesty,” he said, adding that the leaders of the proscribed organisation would be held accountable for the deaths and violence associated with its movement.
During the press conference, the chief secretary said that road blockades and violent activities were unacceptable.
“Political blackmail has been consigned to the past, and a new era of peaceful, civilised and reasoned dialogue has begun,” he said, adding that the government would continue to employ constitutional and legal means to preserve peace and stability.
“Negotiations will never take place at gunpoint.”
Speaking on the occasion, IGP Malik alleged that activists affiliated with the proscribed JAAC had opened fire on police during a routine checkpoint inspection on 5 June. According to him, the incident resulted in the death of one activist and left JAAC leader Umar Nazir and two police officers injured.
On 5 June, the JAAC was designated a proscribed organisation by the regional government and placed on the First Schedule of the region’s Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA).
‘Pakistan Zindabad’ rally held in Muzaffarabad
Earlier, “Pakistan Zindabad” rally was held in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, drawing significant public participation.
Hundreds of residents took part in the event, chanting slogans in support of Pakistan and displaying Pakistani and Azad Jammu and Kashmir flags on their vehicles. Participants also carried portraits of Pakistan’s civil and military leadership as a gesture of appreciation for their contributions and services.
In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, a grand “Pakistan Zindabad” rally was organized in #Muzaffarabad#RadioPakistan #news https://t.co/W6SOEBa8ko pic.twitter.com/e8z5Omj2io
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) June 23, 2026
Organisers described the strong turnout as a demonstration of public support for Pakistan and said it reflected opposition to the narrative promoted by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
Azad Kashmir police rejects rumours of road closures
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Police has also dismissed reports circulating on social media regarding the closure of roads and a major bridge linking Islamabad and Muzaffarabad, adding that traffic is flowing normally across the region.
In a statement on Monday, the Spokesperson of the police said the Kohala Bridge is open for traffic.
The clarification comes following the announcement by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), Bagh chapter, regarding the closure of the Kohala Road from June 22, 2026, raising concerns among the public.
Kohala Road is one of the most important routes connecting Azad Jammu and Kashmir with other parts of the country.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir Police, in its press release, clarified that Kohala Road, along with all major highways across the region, remains fully open and traffic is flowing normally.
Citizens have been urged not to believe rumours or unverified reports and to contact relevant authorities for accurate information.
