• Denies curbs on goods transport, says all entry points into territory remain open
• JAAC demonstration continues in Rawalakot, outfit vows to continue protest campaign

MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) police chief on Thursday warned citizens at home and abroad against falling prey to disinformation and AI-generated content, urging them to rely on official sources for information amid what he described as a “hybrid warfare” environment.

Addressing a press conference, Inspector General of Police retired Captain Liaqat Ali Malik said all entry points into AJK remained open to all types of traffic, including vehicles carrying essential commodities, and rejected reports suggesting otherwise.

He urged overseas Pakis­tanis, particularly members of the Kashmiri diaspora in the UK and Europe, to verify information through authentic government media and social media platforms.

“All major entry points into the territory, including Kohala, Azad Pattan and Bararkot, are open to all types of traffic without any intervention, except routine security checks that fall under police protocols,” he said.

IGP Malik claimed that activists of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Com­mittee (JAAC) had erected barriers at some locations and attacked or seized goods-laden trucks, adding that law enforcement agencies were regularly clearing roads and facilitating commuters.

The IGP recalled that both he and Chief Secretary Khushal Khan had clarified during a press conference on June 23 that police were not obstructing any traffic entering AJK, including trucks carrying essential goods and public transport vehicles.

He also said the government’s position had been disseminated through the Public Information Dep­artment’s official fact-checking platform on X, and urged citizens to follow official government accounts for authentic information.

The press conference came amid a mixed response to the ongoing strike called by the proscribed JAAC, during which internet services remained suspended and petrol stations remained closed under government orders.

Witnesses said a partial shutdown was observed across the Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions, while life remained largely normal in the Mirpur division.

In Muzaffarabad, long queues were seen outside the only petrol station allowed to sell fuel in limited quantities. People carrying plastic bottles and small cans waited to purchase fuel for motorcycles and generators.

Govt steps up action

Meanwhile, the government stepped up action against employees accused of participating in or facilitating sit-ins organised by the proscribed outfit.

According to official notifications, three employees of the electricity department, eight teachers, a laboratory assistant and two peons from the education department, as well as two workers of a medical college, were suspended for allegedly engaging in activities deemed incompatible with government service rules.

Official sources said the government was determined to proceed against employees found supporting those challenging the writ of the state and warned that further disciplinary action, including dismissal from service, could follow.

Late on Thursday night, the JAAC announced that it would continue its protest campaign through what it described as peaceful sit-ins, dispelling speculation that it might launch a long march.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2026