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PoK unrest: What is JAAC, the banned outfit at centre of Pakistan’s violent crackdown?

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), an umbrella organisation representing civil society activists, trade bodies, students, lawyers and various socio-religious groups based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), has been banned recently under the anti-terror law. This, after the outfit called for a march to Muzaffarabad against the reservation of 12 seats for refugees in the upcoming PoK Assembly elections

Police officers sit in a vehicle as they patrol for security measures ahead of the strike call by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, June 8, 2026. Reuters

FP Explainers|Jun 10, 2026, 16:26:41 IST

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is witnessing unrest as clashes between protesters and security forces have led to the deaths of dozens of people and wounded hundreds of others. At the centre of the storm is the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).

The popular civil society initiative was banned last week under an anti-terrorism law. The PoK administration has also reportedly announced a PKR 1 crore award for information leading to the arrest of the four JAAC leaders.

But what is this outfit? Why is PoK on the boil again? We explain.

What is JAAC?

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is a coalition representing civil society activists, trade bodies, students, lawyers, and various socio-religious groups based in PoK.

The umbrella organisation was reportedly formed in September 2023. Initially, the committee was mobilised over rising electricity tariffs, inflation, and governance failures in PoK.

Led by activist Shaukat Nawaz Mir, JAAC has organised several protests in the region over the past years. In May 2024, the group had called for a shutdown and wheel-jam strike in PoK’s Muzaffarabad. The protests were organised against rising inflation and to demand tax-free electricity from the Mangla Dam.

Demonstrators also demanded subsidies on wheat flour and an end to the privileges enjoyed by the elite class. The protests had turned violent following JAAC’s call for a long march towards Muzaffarabad.

A local resident walks through a deserted bus terminal during a strike called by JAAC demanding greater political rights and the abolition of 12 legislative refugee seats, in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, June 9, 2026. AP

Last September, JAAC organised a lockdown, bringing several districts of PoK to a halt for days. The protests sparked violent clashes with police that killed at least 10 people, including three police personnel. Hundreds of policemen and civilians were also injured during the unrest.

Days after the violence, the Pakistani government and protesters signed an agreement to end the demonstrations in early October.

JAAC has evolved as a broader outlet of public frustration against the Pakistani state’s economic exploitation and political suppression. It has gained legitimacy from public mobilisation and its ability to pressure authorities to respond to its demands, as per The Diplomat report.

While the leaders of the outfit have not sought electoral office yet, JAAC has amassed political influence in the territory. Its sustained push through protests and negotiating directly with the authorities has compelled the Pakistan government and PoK authorities to address long-standing grievances of the residents.

“In effect, JAAC evolved into a parallel political actor, capable of mobilising public opinion, shaping policy debates, and negotiating directly with the authorities,” the report said.

Why JAAC has been banned

Four days ahead of the protest march scheduled for June 9, the JAAC was banned under an anti-terror law on grounds of public order and security.

The ban coincided with the nomination filings for elections for the restive region’s legislative body, slated to be held on July 27.

As per Reuters, the JAAC had called for protests against the reservation of 12 seats for refugees in the July 27 elections to PoK's Legislative Assembly.

“Of these 12 seats, eight generally go to the kitty of whichever is the ruling party in Punjab province, two are forcibly taken by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in Sindh province, while in some cases, the seats have also been captured by those who have absolutely nothing to do with Kashmir. In some cases, the courts in the past have described them as ineligible," Ershad Mahmud, a well-known journalist-author born in Rawalakot and currently based in Canada, told Frontline magazine.

The latest clashes began after security forces reportedly opened fire on mourners gathered at a funeral of a slain human rights defender, also a JAAC leader, in Rawalakot. The confrontation killed at least 11 people and left dozens injured.[if0]

Demonstrators are protesting against inflation, especially rising flour and electricity prices. They have also called for the restoration of political, economic, and human rights. Moreover, they are urging authorities to abolish the reservation of 12 seats for refugees.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir administration has announced a bounty of PKR 1 crore for information leading to the arrest of four JAAC leaders — Shoukat Nawaz Mir, Umar Nazir Kashmiri, Khawaja Mehran Arshad, and Sardar Aman Khan.

It said that the president of PoK is “pleased to fix a reward of Rs 10 million to be granted to any person who provides information leading to the successful arrest of the following offenders belonging to the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC)," the notification was cited by NDTV.

Members of the JAAC have also described the designation of the outfit as a "terror" group "oppression", saying they are protesting for legitimate economic and political rights.

JAAC chairman Mir recently said that the movement had successfully completed “Plan A" on the opening day of the march. “We have successfully completed the first day of the long march according to our Plan A," Mir was quoted as saying by News18.

“The accusations of treason that have been made against us will soon have to be withdrawn. I would rather take a bullet first," he said.

India on Tuesday (June 9) strongly condemned Pakistan's crackdown on protesters in PoK. New Delhi also called on the international community to hold Pakistan responsible. "We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.