A contingent of Islamabad Police has been dispatched to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) as authorities intensify security preparations ahead of a significant protest planned by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on June 9. The police officers are equipped with anti-riot gear and tear gas, joining reinforcements that include personnel from the Rangers and Frontier Corps (FC), deployed at the request of the AJK government to federal authorities.
This deployment occurs amid rising tensions in the region and follows a travel advisory urging tourists to leave AJK promptly. The advisory advises avoiding non-essential travel between June 5 and June 20 to minimize disruptions during the protest period.
The protest call by JAAC revives longstanding demands such as the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, subsidized flour and electricity tariffs, and the elimination of what protesters describe as elite privileges. These issues previously sparked widespread unrest in October 2025, when protests led by the same alliance turned violent, resulting in multiple casualties, a communications blackout, and a heavy security presence.
In a significant development, the AJK government is seeking additional law enforcement support to prevent any recurrence of violence and to ensure public order is maintained without infringing on democratic rights. Officials have stressed the importance of balancing security measures with respect for peaceful protest, following a pattern of pre-emptive actions seen in earlier demonstrations.
Local administration representatives have highlighted that the reinforcements aim to avoid disruptions to daily life and prevent any escalation of conflict. Meanwhile, opposition groups and activists insist their movement remains peaceful and focused on structural reforms. Further federal deployments are anticipated as authorities continue to closely monitor the situation in the coming days.
