AJK government revives cases against banned JAAC leaders and rules out talks

Authorities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir ruled out negotiations with the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) on Thursday and reinstated previously suspended cases against its leaders.

The decision was approved at the 41st AJK Cabinet meeting on June 5, 2026, and has received approval from Pakistan's President.

Why did the AJK government ban the JAAC?

The AJK government banned the JAAC under anti-terrorism laws, citing the group's role in violent protests, vandalism, and public disorder. Officials said the group's leadership bears legal responsibility for recent unrest. The ban was formalized through a cabinet decision and approved by the President of Pakistan.

What cases are being reinstated against JAAC leaders?

All cases related to protests, vandalism, and public disorder that had previously been suspended against JAAC office-bearers will now proceed to trial in relevant courts. The Department of Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights issued an official notification confirming the reinstatement. Senior officials told Nukta that no talks are planned with the outlawed organization.

At least seven people were killed and dozens wounded in clashes between police and JAAC supporters ahead of a planned rally on June 9. Law enforcement has sealed central JAAC offices, citing the recovery of arms and ammunition during raids. Police in Muzaffarabad and Mirpur are also investigating key leaders, including Shaukat Nawaz Mir and Khawaja Mehran Arshad, under Section 124-A of the AJK Penal Code for sedition.

What are the JAAC's demands in Pakistan-administered Kashmir?

The JAAC is an anti-government movement demanding economic and governance reforms in the region. Its core demands include lower energy prices, free healthcare, and the abolition of 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiris who relocated to what is now India-administered Kashmir. The group argues those seats allow major Pakistani political parties to influence the local parliament through an outside voter base.

The JAAC has rejected its designation as a terrorist organization, calling it political oppression. Pakistan's Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, said last week that 35 of the group's 38 demands had already been met.

The government has announced a Rs10 million cash reward for information leading to the arrest of four senior JAAC figures: Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Umar Nazir Kashmiri, Sardar Aman, and Khawaja Mehran.