MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on Monday categorically rejected all allegations of firing on protesters during the recent incidents in Rawalakot, describing the claims as “unsubstantiated, misleading and part of a systematic disinformation campaign.”
Responding to a BBC report on the incidents, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif rejected the BBC report on the situation in Azad Kashmir, describing it as biased, misleading and contrary to the facts.
Addressing a news conference, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir government spokesperson said the figures cited in the report had not been verified by the police, civil administration or any other government institution. He also described allegations concerning the July 27–31 events in Rawalakot as part of a coordinated misinformation campaign by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee and its affiliates.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government said armed elements of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) opened fire in Rawalakot, martyring and injuring security personnel and setting several vehicles ablaze.
The government said security forces acted solely to enforce the law and maintain public order, insisting that no action was taken against civilians.
According to Azad Jammu and Kashmir police spokesperson, seven police officers were martyred, and 143 others were injured in firing carried out by armed members of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee.
The government said the banned JAAC had been involved in violent incidents in the past as well. In 2024 and 2025, armed attacks by the banned action committee had martyred four law enforcement personnel and injured hundreds of others.
The AJK government further said one of two men arrested on July 28 and 29 had claimed a reward of Rs100 million for the killing of each Ranger personnel, adding that the claim raised questions about the proscribed group’s sources of funding.
The government said verified videos showed armed men associated with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee firing with modern weapons during the clashes.
The AJK government said that the law enforcement agencies have discharged their constitutional responsibilities with restraint and professionalism, and no action was taken against civilians.
“We strongly deny the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations of indiscriminate firing, use of snipers or not handing over the bodies to their families,” Azad Jammu and Kashmir Government said.
The banned action committee had been involved in blocking roads, stopping or burning goods vehicles and disrupting the supply of essential commodities, while law enforcement agencies had sought to keep roads open and ensure the continued delivery of essential goods in the past as well, the government said.
“Law enforcement agencies tried to keep the roads open and ensure the delivery of essential goods as per the circumstances,” the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir said in a statement.
The AJK government said that the Joint Awami Action Committee is a banned organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act and all legal steps are being taken against it as per the law.
