Faisal Mumtaz Rathore

Political efforts in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) ahead of elections focus on engaging with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which protests against refugee seats in the legislature. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Nawaz Sharif are visiting the region to campaign, while the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Chairman Syed Qamar Raza attempted a personal initiative to persuade JAAC leaders to abandon violence.

AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore supports a JAAC leader's criticism of individuals misusing the platform, urging dialogue over protests. Senior JAAC leader Umar Nazir Kashmari clarifies that only core leadership statements represent the organization, distancing it from controversial speeches by activists like Sardar Aman.

The PPP's candidate selection for AJK elections faces legal challenges over Asim Sharif Butt's disputed State Subject status. PML-N's Syed Shoukat Ali Shah plans to seek contempt proceedings against PPP leadership for awarding a ticket to Butt, whose certificate was declared invalid by official inquiries. The PPP also reversed candidate decisions in two constituencies.

22 Pakistani soldiers died in a military helicopter crash in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with no survivors confirmed. A mass funeral was held for the victims, including a colonel and two majors, as an investigation into the crash's technical fault continues. Security forces have been deployed amid heightened tensions following recent attacks on police.

A mass funeral was held for 22 Pakistani soldiers killed in a military helicopter crash in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The crash, attributed to a technical fault, left no survivors, and an investigation is underway. The soldiers were traveling to perform security duties amid heightened tensions following recent attacks on security personnel.

Sedition cases and a Rs10 million reward for information against leaders of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) were ordered in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following clashes between law enforcers and protesters. Clashes resulted in injuries and feared deaths, with a government-led shutdown and internet blackout complicating information flow.

A strike called by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) disrupted business and transport in Pakistan-administered Kashmir following clashes between the group's supporters and security forces that killed seven people. The strike followed a court ruling protecting 12 legislative seats for Kashmiri refugees in Pakistan, which the JAAC opposes, and authorities have deployed security forces and suspended internet access to curb the protest.

A strike by the newly proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) left Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), largely deserted, with shops and traffic closed. AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore called for renewed negotiations to ease tensions, as JAAC demands the abolition of 12 Legislative Assembly seats reserved for refugees from Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan's Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir ruled that 12 legislative seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees are constitutionally protected, clearing legal hurdles for upcoming elections. The decision supports the regional government's stance against demands to abolish the seats and addresses protests by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee.

Police in Pakistan-administered Kashmir arrested dozens of supporters of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) ahead of a planned protest. The group, which has unresolved demands including 12 legislative assembly seats for Kashmiri refugees, refused to cancel its rally despite the ban. Authorities increased security following tensions that led to clashes and deaths last year.