Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khan has called for immediate intervention to stop bloodshed in Rawalakot. In a statement posted on X on November 6, 2026, Haider Khan appealed to concerned quarters to intervene to stop the bloodshed in Rawalakot before it is too late.
The city is currently experiencing unrest following alleged clashes between security forces and supporters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) rights group. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) stated on November 6, 2026, that it is deeply concerned by reports of a fresh spate of violence in Rawalakot, noting allegations of casualties among both protesters and law enforcement personnel.
The HRCP reiterated points from its August fact-finding mission, stating that the federal and AJK governments must prevent the situation from deteriorating further and begin a meaningful dialogue to address citizen concerns. The commission also demanded that the media be given unhindered access to report from the region independently, stating the priority must be to prevent loss of life and resolve the situation through political dialogue rather than force.
On Thursday, the AJK government ordered all weapon licence holders in the region to register their licences at the nearest police stations within 10 days. A notification from the AJK Home Department stated that President Dr Najeeb Naqi approved this for public safety and law and order, warning that unregistered licences would be treated as cancelled.
The unrest stems from a prolonged protest movement by the JAAC seeking constitutional and governance reforms, such as ending privileges for the political elite, changing the quota system, and abolishing 12 refugee-reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly. Tensions rose after the AJK government proscribed the JAAC on June 6, 2026, prior to a planned protest on June 9.
The government claimed 35 of the committee's 38 demands had been accepted or implemented, but alleged the JAAC resorted to violent attacks on state-backed personnel and assets. A notification stated the government has reasonable grounds to believe the JAAC is engaged in terrorism. On June 11, the government reinstated 177 FIRs against JAAC members, withdrawing concessions from an October 4, 2025 agreement, accusing the committee of violating that agreement by returning to street protests.
