The government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has officially declared the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) a proscribed organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act 2014. According to a notification issued by the AJK Home Department late Friday night, the President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir approved the inclusion of JAAC in the list of banned organizations under Section 12 of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2014.
The organization, also known as the Joint Awami Action Committee and Awami Action Committee, has been formally added to the First Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, making it subject to all legal restrictions applicable to proscribed organizations. According to the Home Department, JAAC was involved in activities deemed detrimental to state security and public order.
The notification states that the organization engaged in acts aimed at creating unrest, intimidating the public, spreading fear, and promoting anarchy within the state. Authorities further accused the group of inciting hatred and fostering a sense of insecurity among citizens. The government maintained that the organization's activities posed a threat to peace, stability, and law and order in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The notification emphasized that the decision was taken in accordance with the powers vested in the President under the Anti-Terrorism Act 2014 and in the interest of maintaining public safety and state security. With the issuance of the notification, JAAC now stands officially listed as a proscribed organization under AJK law.
No immediate response from the organization was available following the government's announcement. Just two days ago, an All Parties Conference (APC) in Muzaffarabad had rejected the JAAC protest call for June 9.
Election Schedule Announced for AJK General Elections
The schedule for general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir has been announced on Friday, with polling set for July 27. Chief Election Commissioner Justice (R) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, accompanied by Election Commission Member Syed Nazir-ul-Hasan Gilani and Secretary Election Commission Raja Shakeel Khan, announced the election schedule during a press conference.
He stated that elections for 45 directly elected seats of the Legislative Assembly will be held on July 27, 2026. To ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process, personnel from the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Police, and other paramilitary forces will be deployed. The Chief Election Commissioner further announced a ban on new appointments, transfers, and the initiation of new development projects. However, development schemes already included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP) will not be affected by this restriction.
He emphasized that the foundation of transparent elections lies in the preparation of accurate voter lists. The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has completed the preparation of the final electoral rolls in accordance with the Constitution and with full responsibility. He noted that initial errors caused by technical issues in the NADRA system were successfully resolved through exemplary cooperation between NADRA and the administration, for which he expressed gratitude. He also acknowledged the media's support in ensuring free, fair, and impartial elections.
Key Dates in the Election Schedule
- Submission of nomination papers: June 9–19, 2026
- Scrutiny of nomination papers: June 20, 2026
- Publication of list of valid nominations: June 20, 2026
- Appeals against rejection of nomination papers: June 21–24, 2026
- Hearing of appeals: June 26–27, 2026
- Final decisions on appeals: June 28–29, 2026
- Last date for withdrawal of candidature: June 30, 2026
- Publication of final list of candidates: July 1, 2026
- Allocation of election symbols: July 2, 2026
- Publication of final list of candidates along with election symbols: July 2, 2026
Travel Advisory Issued Ahead of Protests
Meanwhile, the AJK government on Friday urged outsiders to avoid traveling to the region and asked current visitors to leave immediately, ahead of a major protest that has prompted the deployment of federal paramilitary troops. The strict travel advisory, effective from June 5 to June 20, comes in response to a strike call for June 9 by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society alliance spearheading a volatile rights movement in the territory.
“The measure is advised to save intending visitors from any unexpected situation or inconvenience,” an unnamed official spokesperson said in a press release issued by the region's Press Information Department (PID). “The government also requests those already in the territory for sightseeing or any other purpose to leave by Friday evening so that they do not confront any unpleasant situation,” the spokesperson added.
