Islamabad Deploys 2,000 Police to Azad Jammu & Kashmir Ahead of Strike – 24 September 2025

Islamabad Deploys 2,000 Police to AJK Ahead of JAAC Strike – Full Report

On 24 September 2025, Pakistan’s federal government ordered the deployment of 2,000 Islamabad police officers to Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) in response to a strike call issued by the Jammu & Kashmir Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The strike, aimed at pressing demands for higher salaries, improved allowances, and better housing and service structures, prompted urgent security measures to prevent potential unrest.

Authorities confirmed the contingent is fully equipped with anti-riot gear. This includes tear-gas launchers, rubber bullets, and 12-bore guns. The force comprises SSPs, SPs, DSPs, inspectors, sub-inspectors, head constables, constables, and lady constables. Inspector Muhammad Asghar is leading the operation, with transport and logistics overseen by ASI Azmat Ullah. To move the personnel, 85 coaches and five trucks have been allocated, supported by a convoy of armed squad vehicles.

The deployment was approved following recommendations from the Inspector General of Islamabad Police. All divisions were instructed to submit names of selected personnel for temporary duty. Officials emphasized that the arrangement is preventive and will be adjusted according to the evolving situation.

Alongside security measures, the federal government formed a negotiation committee, including ministers Ameer Muqam and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. Working in coordination with the AJK government, the committee will meet JAAC leaders in Muzaffarabad to seek a peaceful resolution and address the committee’s demands before the planned strike begins.

The background to the unrest stretches back several months, as AJK police officers and government employees have staged protests calling for salary parity, enhanced allowances, and improved housing facilities. JAAC representatives have insisted their protest will remain peaceful but have warned that failure to meet their demands could escalate tensions.

Analysts note that dispatching such a large force demonstrates the federal government’s determination to maintain law and order. However, human-rights observers caution that excessive use of force could heighten the crisis. The coming days will reveal whether negotiations succeed in defusing the standoff or whether AJK may face a prolonged period of unrest.

For now, Islamabad’s strategy is clear: combine strong preventive security with direct dialogue to avert violence while acknowledging the legitimacy of workers’ concerns. The outcome of these talks will shape not only the immediate security situation in AJK but also the broader relationship between federal authorities and regional police forces seeking long-promised reforms.