MUZAFFARABAD (Web Desk): A shutterdown and wheel-jam strike swept across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Monday, organised by the Joint Action Committee (JAC). Markets, transport, and business centres remained closed, while schools technically stayed open but saw many classrooms empty. The strike has drawn support from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
For the second consecutive day, communication networks—including mobile phones, internet, and landline services—were suspended, leaving residents completely cut off from the outside world. The communication blackout has worsened public hardships, disrupting education, online businesses, and even financial transactions, with long queues forming at ATM machines.
JAC’s Demands
The Public Action Committee presented a 38-point charter of demands, including the abolition of privileges for the ruling elite, reforms in governance, and fair access to resources. Key demands include:
- Ending the quota system and reserved assembly seats for refugees
- Free and equal education
- Construction of roads, tunnels, and bridges including Shohr Tunnel, Lohar Gali Tunnel, and Leepa Valley Tunnel
- Clean drinking water and irrigation supply
- Abolition of unjust commercial electricity bills
- Prevention of timber smuggling
- Employment opportunities for youth and quota for disabled persons
- Interest-free loans for young people
- Tax relief and support for traders
- Elimination of bribery, nepotism, and corruption
- Empowerment of student unions and local representatives
- Upgradation of AJK Bank to scheduled bank status
The JAC has also announced plans for a large rally following the strike to amplify their protest.
Government’s Response
Officials said the suspension of communication was aimed at preventing unrest during large protests. Nearly 3,000 Islamabad police personnel, along with Rangers, have been deployed in Muzaffarabad and other districts to maintain law and order.
Government spokesperson Dr. Irfan Ashraf insisted that the region was “peaceful” and that negotiations were underway, though he acknowledged public frustration over repeated strikes and roadblocks.
Earlier, talks between the JAC and the federal government collapsed on September 25. Federal ministers Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Amir Muqam said that while demands related to flour and electricity prices had been accepted, those requiring constitutional amendments could only be decided by parliament.
Appeal to UN
Meanwhile, the JAC has written to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and international human rights bodies, demanding an inquiry into deaths, arrests, and the alleged crackdown during recent protests in Azad Kashmir.
