UK-based businessman condemns JAAC violence in AJK, urges dialogue

MUZAFFARABAD: UK-based businessman and philanthropist Raja Waseem Aslam has denounced the recent violence linked to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), while also calling for dialogue and reconciliation to address the situation.

Aslam, who belongs to the Khuriatta area of Kotli and has a long association with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), issued the statement as the law and order situation in AJK worsened.

Violence in Rawlakot

At least four policemen were martyred and 20 others were injured in intense clashes with supporters of the newly proscribed JAAC in Rawlakot. The confrontation also left several people dead and dozens injured.

The deteriorating situation has led authorities to consider imposing a curfew and carrying out a major operation against the group. Officials said the violence had been planned in advance, alleging that armed individuals had joined the protest and carried out coordinated attacks on police and other security personnel.

Aslam’s statement

Aslam condemned the attacks on police and security forces in strong terms and said such actions could not be defended on political or economic grounds.

He said:

"The targeting and killing of law enforcement personnel is absolutely unacceptable and cannot be justified under any political or economic grievance,"

“Those in uniform are sons of this soil and are protecting our people. Attacking them is an attack on AJK itself,” he added.

Government action against JAAC

The AJK government has banned the JAAC, accusing the organisation of involvement in terrorism, spreading hatred and creating disorder in the state.

The group had earlier led large-scale protests in the region. Some of those demonstrations ended in violence and fatalities during clashes with law enforcement in May 2024 and September 2025.

Amid the latest tensions, Aslam urged all parties concerned to pursue dialogue and reconciliation.