Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee

The JAAC movement is driven by a comprehensive 38-point Charter of Demands.^[17][18] These demands are categorised into two main areas: immediate economic relief and long-term structural changes. Economically, the JAAC demands significantly reduced power tariffs for AJK consumers, calculated based on the production cost of electricity generated from local hydro-projects like the Mangla Dam, and subsidised wheat flour prices equivalent to those offered in neighbouring Gilgit-Baltistan.^[19] Structurally, the movement insists on the abolition of perks and privileges enjoyed by the political elite and bureaucracy, and the removal of 12 seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly that are currently reserved for Pakistan-based refugees from Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.^[20]

The JAAC's rise to prominence stems from its ability to unite fragmented, localised grievances over economic hardship into a coordinated, statewide political force, fundamentally challenging the political status quo.^[21] The demand for electricity at production cost moves the discourse beyond simple subsidy requests toward a constitutional debate concerning AJK's degree of political autonomy, resource ownership, and royalty from locally exploited infrastructure, implying that the AJK populace possesses inherent ownership rights over resources within its territory. The organization views its movement as a necessary response to years of perceived economic exploitation and administrative neglect perpetrated by both the AJK administration and the Federal Government of Pakistan.^[22]

Local protests over rising commodity and electricity prices began in parts of AJK in 2022 and early 2023, often led by traders’ associations and transport unions. These protests included non-payment or symbolic burning of electricity bills, localized shutter-down strikes, and sit-ins; they spread from towns such as Rawalakot to other districts as civic groups and student bodies joined the cause. Over 2023, several local committees and traders’ bodies coordinated action and — by mid-September 2023 — the movement consolidated into a broader, region-wide joint action committee that coordinated strike calls and long-march plans. Journalistic coverage and local commentaries describe the JAAC as a coalition of trade bodies, transporters, lawyers, and student groups that became the main civil-society platform for this agitation.^[23][24]

Although the AJK government attempted limited reconciliation—such as withdrawing a proposed increase in electricity bills and maintaining tariffs at the July 2023 level, a decision that reportedly burdened the local exchequer by Rs10–12 billion—these measures proved insufficient to quell the widespread discontent. The public remained critical, especially in light of the more favourable subsidies provided to Gilgit-Baltistan.^[24]

The burgeoning movement gained decisive momentum in May 2023, following the launch of a sustained sit-in outside a flour depot in Supply Bazaar, Rawalakot, primarily targeting the soaring price of wheat. This localized protest served as the organizational nucleus, demonstrating the potential for civil society to organize around immediate economic pain.^[23]

Post-formation, the JAAC quickly mobilized on a massive scale. By October 10, 2023, the committee had successfully organized large rallies across AJK that included women and children. This resilience was tested but maintained even during the severe winter months. In November 2023, the JAAC staged a similar protest that ultimately ended after the AJK government provided assurances to address their concerns. However, the failure of the government to implement these promises became the direct and central trigger for the large-scale confrontations that followed in 2024.^[24]

In May 2024, a six-day wave of protests, sit-ins, and strikes swept AJK. What began as demands for subsidised flour and lower electricity tariffs escalated into mass demonstrations across major towns; JAAC emerged as a principal organiser and interlocutor. Recognizing the momentum, the Muzaffarabad Public Action Committees called for a "long march" toward the capital on May 11, 2024. The authorities attempted to manage the situation by declaring a two-day holiday and officially requesting paramilitary troops from Pakistan. However, the government's attempt to preempt the large planned demonstration on May 12 by arresting JAAC leaders severely inflamed the public response, resulting in deadly clashes. The confrontations between protestors and law enforcement resulted in casualties, including at least three protestors and one police officer.^[25][26]

On May 13, 2024, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif announced a substantial federal grant totalling Rs 23 billion (approximately $82 million) for Azad Kashmir. Following this announcement, AJK Premier Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq announced immediate subsidies and reduced utility rates. Following those concessions, the JAAC announced the suspension of major actions on 14 May 2024.^[27]

The concessions marked a significant victory for the JAAC. The subsidised rates implemented included:

• Wheat Flour: The price was reduced substantially from Rs 3,100 to Rs 2,000 per 40 kilograms.
• Electricity Tariffs: Prices were drastically cut for consumers, fixed at Rs3 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the first 100 units, Rs5 per kWh for 100–300 units, and Rs6 per kWh for consumption above 300 units.

Additionally, a judicial commission was established to review the excessive privileges enjoyed by top government officials in AJK. Later in 2024, the AJK executive promulgated the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance, 2024, which critics said sought to restrict unregistered organisations’ ability to assemble; the measure sparked further protests and legal challenges and was subject to judicial scrutiny. Human rights and local groups reported arrests, criminal cases against participants, and continuing tensions between civil actors and the government.^[28]

JAAC/JKJAAC re-emerged as a mass organiser in 2025 with fresh demands and a wider charter (news outlets report multi-point charters running into dozens of items). In late September 2025, the coalition announced a region-wide lockdown/shutter-down and wheel-jam strike (a date publicised for 29 September), and leaders mobilised large rallies in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli, Mirpur, Bhimber and various other cities and towns.^[29][30]

In anticipation of the severe economic and political disruption, the Federal Government of Pakistan intervened. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged in consultations and publicly urged the JAAC to withdraw the call, promising to contact and invite representatives for dialogue. High-level marathon talks were subsequently held, involving JAAC negotiators, the AJK government, and two federal ministers, Amir Muqam and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. The negotiations reportedly spanned almost 13 hours. However, the dialogue ultimately collapsed, ending inconclusively due to an unbridgeable deadlock over two key structural demands.^[31][32]

The two demands that proved non-negotiable and led to the collapse of the talks were:

• Abolition of Elite Privileges: The insistence on eliminating the expensive perks, luxuries, and privileges enjoyed by AJK ministers, lawmakers, and bureaucrats.
• Removal of Refugee Seats: The termination of the 12 reserved seats in the AJK Assembly for Kashmiri migrants settled in Pakistan.

JAAC negotiators, led by figures like Shaukat Nawaz Mir, walked out, branding the talks as "incomplete and inconclusive" and affirming their commitment to observing the indefinite lockdown with "full force". This failure to reach an agreement confirms that while the Federation is willing to financially sustain AJK through massive subsidies, it draws a firm political line at reforms that challenge its structural influence or threaten the entrenched political patronage network.^[33]

The 2026 Azad Kashmir protests were a series of demonstrations, strikes, and clashes that took place across AJK in June 2026. The protests were organized primarily by the JAAC to oppose the 12 seats reserved in the AJK Legislative Assembly for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir residing in Pakistani provinces (outside AJK). The unrest escalated following the banning of JAAC by the AJK government and subsequent security operations against its leadership.^[37][38]

The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee emerged as a major political and social movement in Azad Kashmir during protests in 2024 concerning electricity tariffs, flour subsidies, and government expenditure. Following those protests, the organization expanded its agenda to include constitutional and political reforms.^[39]

One of JAAC's principal demands has been the abolition of the 12 legislative assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir living outside AJK. JAAC argued that individuals residing outside Azad Kashmir should not participate in the election of representatives to AJK's legislature.

In early June 2026, the Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir ruled that the refugee seats were protected under the constitutional framework and could not be abolished without constitutional amendment.

Following the ruling, JAAC announced protests and a long march toward Muzaffarabad. The government subsequently declared JAAC a proscribed organization and initiated legal proceedings against several of its leaders.

On 8 June 2026, clashes occurred between protesters and security forces in Rawalakot and other locations. Demonstrators erected roadblocks and organized strikes, while authorities deployed police and paramilitary personnel to maintain order.

According to international media reports, at least eleven people were killed and dozens injured during the unrest. The majority of fatalities occurred during confrontations in Rawalakot, Poonch District.^[40]

On 9 June 2026, JAAC called a region-wide strike. Commercial centers, transportation services, and markets were closed in several districts, including Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Bagh, and Mirpur. Security measures were heightened throughout the territory.

The Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir defended its actions as necessary to preserve public order and uphold constitutional institutions. Authorities imposed restrictions, carried out arrests, and issued warrants against several JAAC leaders.

Human rights organizations expressed concern regarding the use of force against protesters, arrests of activists, and restrictions on communications. Political commentators described the protests as one of the most significant episodes of civil unrest in Azad Kashmir in recent years.