A shutterdown and wheel jam strike is currently underway in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, organised by the Joint Action Committee (JAC).

Markets, transportation, and business centers are closed across the region, while schools remain open, albeit with many classrooms empty. The strike has garnered support from the PTI.

During this period, communication services have been severely disrupted. For the second consecutive day, mobile phone and internet services, along with landline connections, have been suspended, leaving citizens entirely cut off from the outside world. This unprecedented blackout has exacerbated public hardships.

Demands of the Public Action Committee

The Public Action Committee has put forward a 38-point charter of demands, which includes the abolition of 12 reserved seats for refugees and the return of privileges to the elite.

The committee has announced plans to hold a rally following the strike to amplify their protest. Key demands in the charter include:

• Abolition of privileges for the ruling elite

• Cessation of exploitation by mobile companies

• Abolition of assembly seats reserved for refugees residing in Pakistan

• Construction of the road from Azad Yaqin to Sudhnuti

• Free and equal education

• Employment for the brother of martyr Azhar

• Establishment of an international airport

• Prevention of timber smuggling

• Elimination of the refugee quota in jobs

• Abolition of the quota system in Azad Kashmir

• Provision of clean drinking water

• Supply of irrigation and agricultural water

• Commercial electricity bills above 5 kVA

• Establishment of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Expressway

• Implementation of all matters related to electricity

• Construction of the Shohr Tunnel

• Implementation of matters related to flour

• Construction of the Lohar Gali Muzaffarabad tunnel

• Legislation on flour and electricity

• Construction of the Leepa Valley Tunnel, Jhelum Valley, and Sandmar Behdi Haveli

• Dismissal of cases registered during the movement by the government

• Implementation of High Court decisions regarding hydropower projects and other demands

• Expiration of the development budget

• Reforms in departments and elimination of redundant departments

• Deployment of external forces and abolition of black laws

• Interest-free loans for youth

• Construction of the Rehman Bridge in Kotli

• Provision of employment

• Quota for disabled individuals

• Cessation of PSG examinations and ad hoc appointments

• Cessation of merit-based appointments

• Tax relief

• Protection and support for traders in Azad Kashmir

• Penalties for non-custom vehicles and transporters

• Reforms in the judiciary

• Support for the local charter of demands

• Elimination of bribery, corruption, and nepotism in government departments

• Empowerment of local representatives and student union elections

• Request to grant scheduled bank status to Azad Jammu and Kashmir Bank

Communication Services Suspended

Officials have stated that the suspension of internet, mobile, and landline services aims to limit communication during large-scale protests and to prevent any potential disturbances. Citizens have reported that the blackout has disrupted their connections, halted online businesses and educational activities, and led to long queues at ATM machines.

Negotiations between the government and the JAC failed on September 25, with federal ministers Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Amir Muqam indicating that while Islamabad has accepted most demands related to flour and electricity prices, those requiring constitutional amendments can only be approved by parliament.

The government has deployed additional police and Rangers in Muzaffarabad and other districts to manage the situation, with nearly 3,000 Islamabad police personnel already stationed in the region.

Government’s Stance

Dr. Irfan Ashraf, spokesperson for the Azad Kashmir government, has stated that the region is peaceful and that people are engaged in their daily activities. He noted that the government has initiated a negotiation process and added that the public is growing weary of strikes and roadblocks.

JAC’s Letter to the UN Secretary-General

Furthermore, the JAC has written to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and human rights organizations, demanding an investigation into the deaths, arrests, and alleged crackdown during protests in Azad Kashmir.