Partial Strike and JAAC Sit-ins Persist Across AJK Amid Crackdown
Protests by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) continued for a fourth day on the fringes of Rawalakot, coinciding with a partial shutter-down strike across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Authorities reportedly intensified their crackdown on JAAC activists, seizing businesses and conducting raids, including an attempt to arrest a key member in Muzaffarabad. An internet service suspension entered its eighth day, impacting students and freelancers significantly. Meanwhile, former AJK president and prime minister Sardar Yaqoob Khan appealed to JAAC leaders to unconditionally end their agitation and engage in dialogue.
A partial shutter-down strike continued across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Saturday, alongside two sit-ins by activists and supporters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). These sit-ins, located on the fringes of Rawalakot, marked their fourth consecutive day.
Most towns in Muzaffarabad Division and other parts of AJK observed a shutdown, with public transport services suspended for the fifth day. Reports of partial strikes also emerged from Mirpur Division. Mobile phone services in Rawalakot were disrupted after 8:30 PM, hindering information access.
Authorities reportedly tightened their grip on key JAAC activists and supporters, seizing numerous businesses across the state. In Muzaffarabad, police raided a men's hostel in an attempt to arrest its owner, Sohaib Javed, identified as a key JAAC member, but he was not found.
The suspension of internet services across AJK entered its eighth day, causing significant frustration among citizens, particularly students and freelancers. A student, Ryan Khan, highlighted the necessity of traveling to neighboring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to access online services, urging authorities to restore connectivity to prevent further disruption to education and livelihoods.
At the Eidgah Ground sit-in, participants dispersed briefly during a downpour on Saturday morning but returned later in the day, with numbers swelling. Approximately 400 youngsters remained at the ground to prevent law enforcement from occupying the site. A sizeable number of women also remained at the ground until sunset.
Former AJK president and prime minister Sardar Yaqoob Khan appealed to JAAC leaders to end their agitation unconditionally. Mr. Khan, a senior PPP leader, emphasized the need for flexibility and harmony in political engagement. He also stated that he had invited senior leaders from mainstream political parties to discuss a resolution to the deadlock. Senior PPP AJK leaders were scheduled to meet on the issue in Islamabad on Sunday, followed by a press conference.
According to Dawn Pakistan, no untoward incidents were reported at the sit-ins until Saturday evening.
