ISLAMABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir government’s spokesperson Chaudhry Guftar Hussain has warned that no concessions will be given to armed or violent groups, accusing the banned Awami Action Committee of attempting to undermine peace, stability, and the state’s authority in the region.
Special Secretary Home Chaudhry Guftar Hussain issued the warning while addressing a joint press conference alongside the Azad Kashmir Police spokesperson, DIG Irfan Masood Kashfi.
He said the banned committee is using protests as a cover to spread incitement, exert pressure, engage in blackmail, and create fear and panic among the public.
He further noted that the banned outfit is using women, children, and students from schools, colleges, and universities as “human shields” during its activities.
Anti-Pakistan narrative and road blockades
The Special Secretary went on to say that the banned organisation was promoting an anti-Pakistan narrative and disrupting public life by blocking key highways across the region.
He said the government would continue taking all necessary measures to maintain law and order, uphold the rule of law, protect lives and property, and restore normalcy.
No concessions for armed groups
Hussain said that armed members of the banned committee had opened direct fire on law enforcement personnel in an attempt to escalate tensions.
He also reaffirmed that the Azad Jammu and Kashmir general elections would be held on July 27 as scheduled, with the government committed to ensuring free, fair and transparent polls.
“No concessions will be given to armed and violent groups, and those who violate the law will not succeed in their objectives,” he said.
Banned group spreading misinformation: Police say
Azad Kashmir Police spokesperson DIG Irfan Masood Kashfi said misleading and false propaganda is being circulated on social media following the recent violence involving armed members of the banned Awami Action Committee.
He said that attempts were being made to falsely portray armed individuals seen in videos as plainclothes security personnel.
According to Kashfi, after evidence emerged of firing, attacks and casualties involving civilians and government officials, the banned group resorted to distorting facts to mislead the public.
He added that weapons had been recovered from several leaders and activists of the banned organisation, while investigators had also obtained dozens of videos and photographs linked to the incidents.
A clearance operation is underway to restore traffic on the Kotli-Tararkhal Road@OfficialDGISPR @GovtofPakistan #RadioPakistan #News #AzadKashmirhttps://t.co/Okd2XHaA6N pic.twitter.com/G512QSrrgP
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) July 14, 2026
Highway restored after clashes
The police spokesperson said that leaders of the banned committee disappeared after inciting supporters, leaving the public to face the consequences.
He said traffic on the Kotli-Tarakhal Highway had been suspended after barricades were erected, causing significant hardship for commuters and disrupting daily life.
Kashfi said Constable Aqib was martyred in a firing by armed groups at Bathak Baloch, while a Federal Constabulary official, two Public Works Department employees, and eight Azad Kashmir Police personnel were injured.
He added that law enforcement agencies cleared all barricades from the Shujaabad-Kotera Highway early in the morning, restoring traffic and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential goods, while continuing efforts to safeguard the lives and property of residents.
The AJK government declared JAAC a proscribed organisation on June 5 under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), stating that the group was involved in activities it classified as terrorism.
The ban was imposed ahead of a planned June 9 protest by the group, which was calling for the removal of 12 seats in the AJK Assembly reserved for refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir who migrated to Pakistan after 1947.
