Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has stated that if any group attempts to impose an anti-state agenda through violence outside the legal framework, the state will respond with its full authority. In a post on social media platform X, the minister emphasized that the state will ensure the people of Kashmir can freely express their views.
Asif noted that as elections approach, bringing contentious issues to the court of public opinion is the true democratic path. He warned that those who seek to impose their ideology through violence and bloodshed, rather than through the will of the people, have motives beyond democratic objectives.
The minister highlighted that the manner in which police and security personnel were martyred and their bodies desecrated clearly indicates such elements are unwilling to pursue the path of public opinion through elections.
Reward for Wanted Individuals
Meanwhile, the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has announced a reward of Rs10 million for anyone providing information leading to the arrest of four wanted individuals associated with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). According to an official notification from the Home Department, the reward applies to information resulting in the arrest of Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Umar Nazir Kashmiri, Khawaja Mehran Arshad, and Sardar Aman Khan.
The notification states that any individual providing effective and actionable intelligence leading to the apprehension of the suspects will be awarded Rs10 million (Rs1 crore). The government has assured potential informants that their identities will be kept strictly confidential to ensure their safety and privacy.
The Home Department has also directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Azad Kashmir to take all necessary measures for the immediate implementation of the reward scheme and to facilitate efforts aimed at apprehending the wanted individuals.
Alleged TTP Links
Fresh allegations of coordination between a member of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction, Indian intelligence operatives, and the proscribed JAAC have surfaced following the emergence of purported audio and video recordings circulating on social media. According to security sources, the recordings feature an individual identified as Shahzad, described as a TTP-affiliated militant allegedly operating from Afghanistan.
In the video, Shahzad is seen reading a prepared statement in support of the banned JAAC and discussing developments related to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities claim the statement reflects narratives promoted by hostile foreign elements and attempts to encourage political unrest in the region.
In a separate alleged audio conversation, Shahzad is purportedly heard speaking with a JAAC leader about mobilizing supporters, creating instability, and opposing the conduct of upcoming elections in Azad Kashmir. The leaked conversation allegedly includes discussions on disrupting the electoral process and advocating militant measures to pursue political objectives.
Security officials maintain that the recordings provide further evidence of efforts by militant and foreign-backed networks to exploit political tensions in Azad Kashmir. They argue that the material supports concerns regarding attempts to foment unrest and undermine democratic processes in the region. Analysts cited by security circles contend that the alleged endorsement of the banned JAAC by a TTP-linked figure strengthens the government's justification for proscribing the organization. They further claim that the recordings point to broader attempts by anti-state actors to influence developments in Azad Kashmir.
The authenticity of the leaked audio and video recordings has not been independently verified, and no public response from representatives of the banned JAAC was immediately available. The developments come amid an ongoing crackdown by authorities against individuals and organizations accused of involvement in activities deemed detrimental to public order and national security. The move comes amid an ongoing crackdown on members and activities linked to the recently proscribed JAAC.
