Azad Kashmir unrest blamed on protest committee despite fulfillment of demands, says Chief Secretary

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chief Secretary Khushal Khan has stated that maintaining law and order in the region remains the government’s top priority, while accusing a banned Joint Action Committee of disturbing peace despite the fulfillment of its legitimate demands.

Addressing a press conference, Chief Secretary Khushhal Khan said that the activities of the outlawed Joint Action Committee had disrupted peace and stability in the region. He claimed that the government of Pakistan had already provided between 20 to 25 billion rupees to meet the financial needs of the AJK administration, and that despite the resolution of legitimate issues, the group continued to resort to protests.

He further stated that the issue of 12 seats allocated for refugees was being used as a pretext for agitation. According to him, initial public support was gained through concerns over flour and electricity prices, but the demands kept expanding over time, eventually escalating into unrest.

The Chief Secretary emphasized that the government would ensure the supremacy of law and the protection of citizens under all circumstances.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Azad Kashmir Liaquat Ali Malik also addressed the press conference alongside the Chief Secretary. He said that miscreants were putting the peace of Azad Kashmir at risk and had even martyred police personnel and desecrated their bodies.

The IG warned that police had full authority to respond in cases of firing and violence, adding that the writ of the government would be maintained at all costs. He also asserted that Azad Kashmir is and will remain a part of Pakistan.