AJK Strike Enters Third Day as Rawalakot Clash Turns Deadly

Azad Jammu and Kashmir remained paralysed for a third consecutive day on Friday as a region-wide shutter-down strike intensified after a deadly confrontation near Rawalakot. The shutdown, linked to protests by supporters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee, has disrupted public movement, business activity and normal civic life across several districts.

The most serious incident was reported on the outskirts of Rawalakot, where at least one protest participant was killed and several others were injured during a clash with law enforcement personnel. The deceased was identified by protesters as 32-year-old Sohban Arif, a resident of Sudhnoti district, adding a new layer of tension to an already volatile situation.

Officials said thousands of demonstrators from Mirpur, Bhimber, Kotli, Sudhnoti and parts of Poonch had gathered at Eidgah Ground and nearby locations. Security personnel were later sent to the area after authorities received information about the presence of a JAAC figure wanted in connection with sedition-related proceedings.

Poonch Divisional Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan said the confrontation began when law enforcement personnel attempted to clear obstacles from a road and were challenged by protesters. He said firing followed during the clash, leaving one person dead and four to five others injured, while authorities continued to monitor the situation closely.

The protest leadership has linked any possible negotiations to a set of demands, including reversal of the ban on JAAC, withdrawal of curbs, release of detained activists and action over alleged civilian deaths. Protesters also demanded that paramilitary forces be pulled back from urban areas and that restrictions be eased before any formal talks proceed.

The latest unrest follows a prolonged cycle of agitation in AJK, where earlier protest movements had forced the government to announce concessions on public grievances. This time, however, officials appear reluctant to repeat previous compromises, particularly after the administration moved to restore several cases connected to earlier protests and agitation.

The situation has also taken on a wider political dimension because JAAC’s campaign has mobilised large crowds across multiple districts despite restrictions and disruption of internet services. Authorities believe the movement has moved beyond routine protest, while supporters argue that the shutdown reflects unresolved public anger over governance, rights and state response.

The impact on ordinary citizens has been immediate, with markets closed, transport disrupted and fear of further confrontation spreading in affected towns. For Pakistan, the unrest in AJK is significant because prolonged instability in the region can strain security resources, complicate political management and deepen public mistrust at a sensitive time.

Officials have not ruled out further action if protesters advance or refuse to disperse, while JAAC-linked groups have signalled that sit-ins will continue until their demands are addressed. The next phase will depend on whether the government opens a channel for negotiations or opts for a tougher security response to restore order.