Rawalakot operation continues as law enforcement agencies intensify action against armed groups in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Officials launched the operation after a series of attacks targeted security personnel across the city.
_x000D_Speaking at a press conference, AJK Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khawar Ali Shaukat said armed attackers had occupied several buildings. Consequently, security forces launched operations to restore order and protect civilians.
_x000D_ _x000D_Security Forces Respond to Armed Attacks
_x000D_SSP Shaukat said armed groups repeatedly attacked police and other security personnel in different parts of Rawalakot.
_x000D_He stressed that authorities would not tolerate violence against state institutions. Furthermore, he warned that those involved would face strict legal action.
_x000D_During the clashes, one Rangers official embraced martyrdom. Meanwhile, security forces continued clearing areas occupied by the attackers.
_x000D_ _x000D_Police Arrest Several Suspects
_x000D_Security personnel arrested multiple suspects during the ongoing operation.
_x000D_Officers also recovered sophisticated weapons from several detainees. Investigators are now examining whether the suspects have links to wider militant networks operating inside or outside the region.
_x000D_However, officials have not released additional operational details because the investigation remains active.
_x000D_ _x000D_Authorities Condemn Violence
_x000D_SSP Shaukat strongly condemned the attacks on security forces and government institutions.
_x000D_He said police exercised restraint throughout the unrest. However, they will now respond firmly to anyone attempting to disrupt public order.
_x000D_In addition, he accused anti-state elements of spreading misinformation on social media to create instability in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
_x000D_According to the police spokesperson, protecting peace and public safety remains the government’s highest priority.
_x000D_ _x000D_Violence Linked to Banned JAAC
_x000D_Authorities linked the recent violence to supporters of the banned Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) during the ongoing AJK Legislative Assembly elections.
_x000D_The AJK government declared JAAC a proscribed organisation on June 5 under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Officials alleged the group participated in terrorist activities.
_x000D_The decision came shortly before JAAC planned demonstrations demanding the removal of 12 reserved assembly seats allocated to refugees from Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
_x000D_ _x000D_Federal Government Supports Security Efforts
_x000D_Pakistan’s federal government described the unrest as an attempt to disrupt the election process and destabilise the region.
_x000D_Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said Islamabad would fully support the AJK administration in restoring order.
_x000D_Speaking alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, he claimed the banned group’s actions aimed to stop citizens from exercising their democratic right to vote.
_x000D_ _x000D_Elections Continue
_x000D_Despite the security situation, the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections concluded on July 27.
_x000D_According to unofficial and provisional results, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won nine of the 13 constituencies contested across Mirpur, Kotli, and Bhimber districts.
_x000D_The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured the remaining four seats.
_x000D_Authorities say security forces will continue the Rawalakot operation while ensuring that the remaining election phases proceed peacefully and securely.
