AJK Issues Travel Warning Ahead of JAAC Strike, Tourists Asked to Leave

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has issued a travel advisory urging tourists and other visitors to avoid travelling to the region and advising those already present to leave immediately ahead of a planned protest movement expected to draw large crowds.

The advisory, which will remain in effect from June 5 to June 20, was issued in anticipation of a June 9 strike announced by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil society alliance that has been leading protests on economic and political issues across the region.

In a statement released through the Press Information Department (PID), officials said the measure was intended to protect visitors from potential disruptions and inconvenience during the protest period. Authorities also requested tourists currently staying in the region to depart by Friday evening to avoid any unforeseen circumstances.

The advisory has already begun affecting the tourism sector. Local hotel and guest house owners reported that visitors have started cancelling reservations and seeking refunds following the government's announcement.

The latest round of protests revolves around JAAC’s demand for the abolition of 12 seats reserved in the AJK Legislative Assembly for refugees from Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir who migrated to Pakistan after 1947. The group argues that these seats have historically been used by major political parties to influence government formation in Muzaffarabad.

However, the AJK Legislative Assembly recently reaffirmed its support for retaining the refugee seats and called for the electoral process to continue as scheduled.

Fearing a repeat of the violent confrontations witnessed during previous JAAC-led demonstrations in 2024 and 2025, the federal government has moved to strengthen security arrangements across the region. Additional paramilitary personnel have been deployed to support local law enforcement agencies in maintaining order.

AJK Inspector General of Police Captain (Retired) Liaqat Ali Malik confirmed that thousands of additional security personnel had been requested to assist in maintaining peace from June 7 to June 21. Reports and video footage circulating on social media showed convoys of security forces entering Muzaffarabad as preparations intensified ahead of the planned strike.

Speaking on the situation, Malik urged citizens to avoid participating in unlawful gatherings or activities that could lead to unrest. He emphasized that individuals with concerns or demands should pursue them through peaceful and democratic channels.

Meanwhile, speculation has grown regarding a possible suspension of internet and mobile data services during the protest period. Similar restrictions were imposed during a prolonged JAAC strike last year, causing significant disruptions to businesses, students, freelancers, and communication services across the region. However, authorities have not officially confirmed any such measures so far.

In a separate development, the University of AJK announced the postponement of its Spring 2026 examinations, which were scheduled to begin on June 8. University officials said the decision was taken in light of the uncertain security situation and the planned strike activities.

With security forces on alert and authorities taking precautionary measures, attention now turns to the June 9 protest and its potential impact on the region's stability, tourism sector, and daily life.