AJK govt bans JAAC under anti-terrorism law

According to an official notification issued by the Home Department, the government stated that it had reasonable grounds to believe the organization was involved in activities detrimental to public peace and state security

MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has declared the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JK-JAAC), also known as the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and Awami Action Committee (AAC), a proscribed organization under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014.

According to an official notification issued by the Home Department, the government stated that it had reasonable grounds to believe the organization was involved in activities detrimental to public peace and state security. Authorities alleged that the group had engaged in actions aimed at creating unrest, intimidating the public, promoting hatred, and fostering a sense of insecurity within society.

The notification said that, acting under Section 12 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir approved the inclusion of JK-JAAC in the First Schedule of the law, formally designating it as a banned organization. The decision makes the group subject to legal restrictions and enforcement measures outlined under the anti-terrorism framework.

The order was issued by the Home Department in Muzaffarabad and circulated to federal and regional authorities, including law enforcement agencies, government departments, commissioners, deputy commissioners, and police officials across AJK and Pakistan for implementation.

The move marks a significant development in the region’s security landscape and is expected to have far-reaching political and legal implications. Officials have not yet provided further details regarding specific actions or investigations linked to the organization.