Tourist Entry to Azad Kashmir Restricted Until June 15 Amid Security Concerns

Islamabad: Authorities have imposed restrictions on the entry of tourists into Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) until June 15 due to a planned protest call by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee scheduled for June 9.

According to an official advisory issued by the AJK government, tourists and visitors have been urged to avoid traveling to the region between June 5 and June 20. Individuals already present for tourism or other purposes have been instructed to leave Azad Kashmir by tomorrow evening.

The advisory comes in response to rising security concerns ahead of the announced protest over the issue of 12 reserved seats for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan.

Officials said that the AJK government has requested security assistance from the federal government, following which it has been decided to deploy Islamabad Police personnel to the region.

More than 1,500 officers of the Islamabad Police will be assigned special duty in Azad Kashmir. The deployment will include one Deputy Inspector General (DIG), two Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), four Superintendents of Police (SPs), eight Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 16 inspectors, and 22 sub-inspectors.

The contingent will also include around 70 Assistant Sub-Inspectors and 1,382 constables, along with personnel from CTD, CPC, Safe City, Security Division, Operations Division, Logistics Division, Islamabad Traffic Police, ATS, and Special Branch.

Authorities say the enhanced security measures are aimed at maintaining law and order in the region during the expected demonstrations.