In 2022, the Joint Awami Action Committee gained momentum in Pakistan Administrated Jammu Kashmir also called Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), a self-governing administrative region under Pakistan’s jurisdiction, has recently witnessed widespread civil unrest. The protests, fueled by economic hardships and concerns over civil liberties, have illuminated the region’s strained relationship with Pakistan’s federal government and underscored the population’s demand for enhanced autonomy and rights.
Economic Hardships and Public Discontent
In 2022, Pakistan endured severe economic turmoil, with inflation soaring to 38%, widespread unemployment, and devastating floods that displaced millions and wreaked havoc on infrastructure. These national crises deeply affected AJK, where residents struggled with rising costs of essential goods such as wheat flour and electricity. Despite contributing approximately 3,000 megawatts to Pakistan’s national grid, AJK residents faced disproportionately high electricity tariffs, sparking widespread dissatisfaction.
Protests Erupt in Rawalakot
In May 2023, Rawalakot became the focal point of demonstrations against soaring prices of basic commodities. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a coalition of traders, transporters, lawyers, and students, organized protests that quickly gained traction across the region. Demonstrators adopted measures such as boycotting electricity bills, arguing that the high tariffs violated constitutional provisions prohibiting profit-making from AJK residents.
The Movement Gains Momentum
By September 2023, the protest movement had escalated, with strikes and demonstrations spreading to major towns. The JAAC presented a set of ten demands, including subsidies for wheat prices similar to those in Gilgit-Baltistan, electricity tariffs based on local production costs, the elimination of excessive privileges for officials, and greater political autonomy for AJK. However, negotiations between AJK and federal authorities failed to yield satisfactory resolutions. This deadlock prompted the JAAC to organize a “long march” to Muzaffarabad, the regional capital, in May 2024. In anticipation of the march, Pakistan’s federal government deployed additional security forces, leading to violent clashes that resulted in casualties and arrests.
Federal Government Concessions and Temporary Respite
Amid mounting tensions, the federal government announced a relief package worth Rs23 billion (approximately $82 million) for AJK, aimed at subsidizing wheat and electricity prices and forming a judicial commission to review officials’ privileges. These measures prompted the JAAC to call off the protests on May 14, 2024, heralding the concessions as a “historic victory” for the movement.
Controversial Ordinance Reignites Protests
In November 2024, the AJK government introduced the “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Ordinance 2024,” which required prior permission for public gatherings. The ordinance was widely perceived as an infringement on constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and free expression, sparking fresh waves of protests. Demonstrations led by civil society organizations and political groups resulted in violent clashes, injuries, and arrests. Although the AJK Supreme Court suspended enforcement of the ordinance, protests persisted, culminating in a near-total shutdown and wheel-jam strike across the region in early December.
Current Status and Future Challenges
As of December 8, 2024, AJK remains gripped by unrest with a nationwide protest called by the Joint Awami Action Committee. President Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry has directed the withdrawal of the controversial ordinance and ordered the release of detained protesters. However, the situation remains fluid, with civil society groups demanding concrete guarantees for their constitutional rights.
Broader Implications
The ongoing unrest in AJK reflects deep-rooted economic and political grievances. Residents are not only seeking immediate economic relief but also long-term political representation and autonomy. These demands present significant challenges for both the federal and regional governments, which must balance maintaining order with addressing the legitimate aspirations of the populace.
The protests in AJK underscore the region’s complex socio-political dynamics and the local population’s push for economic justice and political self-determination. Resolving these issues requires a nuanced and inclusive approach that addresses both immediate needs and broader governance concerns. The outcome of these events will shape AJK’s future trajectory and its relationship with Pakistan’s central authority, highlighting the delicate balance between governance and civil liberties in a region of unique administrative status.