TTAP condemns violence against civilians in AJK

ISLAMABAD: The Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP) has condemned the reported use of force against unarmed civilians in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), calling for an immediate halt to violence and meaningful negotiations with protesters.

In a statement issued on Monday, the opposition alliance expressed concern over reports of casualties and alleged suppression of public protests in the region. It said the government had initially engaged in negotiations with the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) but later resorted to force instead of addressing its demands.

The alliance described the reported firing on civilians and loss of lives as unacceptable. It said state institutions were responsible for protecting citizens rather than using force against them.

TTAP also alleged that a high-level delegation travelling to AJK to meet protesters and express solidarity with them was stopped at Kahuta. The delegation was reportedly prevented from proceeding towards the affected areas.

The alliance said restricting the delegation’s movement undermined democratic activities and raised questions about the government’s willingness to allow political representatives to assess the situation independently.

It demanded an immediate explanation for the decision and called for unrestricted access to protesters and affected communities.

The opposition alliance urged the government to initiate meaningful dialogue with JAAC and make practical progress on its demands. It also called for the immediate handover of the bodies of those killed to their families and independent investigations into civilian deaths and allegations of excessive force.

TTAP further demanded medical assistance for the injured, legal protection for arrested individuals and compensation for damage to public and private property. It stressed that unnecessary arrests and measures that could trigger further violence must stop.

The alliance said it would continue raising the issue at constitutional and legal forums to safeguard the rights of AJK residents.

Meanwhile, the Advisory Council of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) also called for an immediate end to violence in Rawalakot and surrounding areas. It demanded an independent investigation into the reported deaths, injuries and arrests, alongside renewed negotiations between the government and the committee.

The council said peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and public participation were fundamental democratic rights. It cautioned against using alleged individual wrongdoing as justification for collective action against protesters or entire communities.

It urged all sides to exercise restraint and avoid statements or actions that could further inflame tensions.

The council called for the return of bodies to families, proper medical treatment for the injured and the restoration of mobile and internet services. It also sought a verified list of detainees, including their whereabouts and legal status.

To establish the facts, the advisory council proposed forming an independent and unarmed delegation comprising political leaders, lawyers, civil society representatives, journalists and human rights activists.

The proposed delegation would visit Rawalakot, meet protesters, residents, injured people and bereaved families, and examine evidence relating to deaths, injuries, arrests and damage to property. It recommended issuing a preliminary public report within 48 hours.

The council also proposed that government and JAAC representatives hold an initial meeting within 24 hours at a mutually agreed neutral venue. It said both sides should nominate authorised representatives, agree on an agenda and establish written deadlines for implementing decisions.

Separately, an AJK Police spokesperson confirmed that Sindh Rangers Naik Bostan Khan had died from injuries sustained during firing at a police post in Rawalakot on November 5.

Bostan Khan, who belonged to Kohat district, had been deployed alongside AJK Police at its request to assist in maintaining law and order.

The police expressed grief over his death and extended condolences to his family. The spokesperson said law enforcement personnel continued to make sacrifices while protecting lives and property. The authorities also vowed to bring those involved in attacks on security personnel to justice.

The unrest in AJK is linked to a prolonged protest movement led by JAAC, which has demanded constitutional and governance reforms. Its key demands include abolishing 12 refugee-reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly, ending privileges for the political elite and reforming the existing quota system.

Tensions increased after the AJK government banned JAAC on June 6, ahead of a planned long march and protest scheduled for June 9. The government maintained that 35 of the committee’s 38 demands had been accepted or implemented, while accusing the group of resorting to attacks on state personnel and property.

The government subsequently reinstated 177 first information reports (FIRs) against JAAC members on June 11, withdrawing concessions granted under an agreement reached on October 4, 2025. Authorities accused the committee of violating the agreement by resuming street protests.

The situation remained tense in the following months, with clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot resulting in casualties in July. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) subsequently called for an independent investigation as conflicting accounts emerged from the two sides.

In August, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) formed a government in AJK after securing a majority in the regional elections, with Barrister Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani elected as prime minister.