AJK Issues
What Is the JAAC and Why Does It Matter?
The Joint Awami Action Committee is the most significant civil movement in AJK in decades. We explain who…
The Reality
A "Free" Kashmir That Isn't Free
Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan are administered by Pakistan, yet neither region has representation in Pakistan's parliament. They are called "free" — but their people cannot vote in national elections, have no constitutional rights guaranteed by Pakistan's constitution, and have been economically neglected for decades.
In 2022–2024, the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) led historic protests across AJK — one of the largest civil movements in the region's history. Ordinary people took to the streets demanding wheat flour subsidies, affordable electricity, and basic dignity. The Pakistani government sent security forces. The world barely noticed.
"We are not asking for independence. We are asking to be treated like human beings." — JAAC spokesperson, 2024
AJK is home to the Mangla Dam — which supplies significant power to Pakistan — yet the people of AJK face some of the highest electricity tariffs in the country. Gilgit-Baltistan, home to K2 and the Karakoram Highway, has no constitutional status and its people cannot vote in national elections.
The 2005 earthquake devastated AJK, killing over 73,000 people. Recovery promises were only partially fulfilled. Twenty years later, communities are still waiting for the development they were guaranteed.
Who Is JAAC?
The People's Alliance
The Joint Awami Action Committee is a broad civil society alliance of traders, lawyers, activists, and religious groups united around basic rights for the people of AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Core Demands
What They Are Fighting For
Restoration of wheat and food subsidies, affordable electricity tariffs, constitutional recognition, and representation in Pakistan's parliament — basic rights, not radical demands.
The Response
Security Forces Against Protesters
Security forces deployed against peaceful protesters. At least two killed in May 2024 protests in Muzaffarabad. Activists arrested. Yet the movement continues — because the injustice continues.
Key Issues in AJK & Gilgit-Baltistan
- No representation in Pakistan's National Assembly or Senate
- Pakistan's constitution does not apply to AJK — no fundamental rights guaranteed
- Wheat and food subsidies repeatedly cut despite promises to the people
- Electricity tariffs among the highest despite AJK generating hydroelectric power
- JAAC protests 2022–2024 — security forces used against peaceful protesters
- Gilgit-Baltistan has no clear constitutional status despite 2020 order
- Natural resources exploited with minimal benefit to local communities
- Press freedom restricted — journalists covering protests face harassment
- 2005 earthquake recovery promises only partially fulfilled
- Tourism potential unrealised due to infrastructure and security perceptions
The Mangla Dam Injustice
The Mangla Dam displaced over 100,000 people from AJK. Their descendants now watch the dam generate electricity that powers Pakistan — while paying inflated electricity bills they cannot afford. This is the heart of the AJK struggle.