Azad Kashmir protests trigger massive police deployment and telecom shutdown

Following a call by the Joint Public Action Committee for a protest and long march in Azad Kashmir, the Pakistani government ordered a large-scale security response. Islamabad police approved the transfer of a special force of 1,505 officers, including a DIG, senior superintendents, ASPs/ DSPs, inspectors and constables, equipped with anti‑riot gear, to be deployed across sensitive locations in the region to maintain order and protect civilians.

Simultaneously, authorities suspended mobile phone and internet services in Azad Kashmir from 9 June, initially until 12 June, and issued an advisory urging people to avoid travel to the area until 20 June. The Joint Public Action Committee was also declared an illegal organization under the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Anti‑Terrorism Act, with legal action announced against its members.