Normalcy Returns to AJK as Strike Fades; Election Boycott Urged

Leaders of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) are calling for a boycott of next month's elections in Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK). However, the administration views this call as an attempt by the committee to remain in the public eye. A video circulating on social media shows a JAAC leader, identified as Umar Nazir Kashmiri by officials, asking supporters if they would participate in what he termed a "sham and fraudulent election," to which the crowd responded negatively.

Official sources suggest that JAAC leaders are using emotionally charged language to maintain momentum with their supporters amid the ongoing standoff with the government. Poonch divisional commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan confirmed the speaker's identity and explained that the committee believes focusing on electioneering would diminish the relevance of the JAAC and its cause.

Meanwhile, routine life is slowly resuming in Muzaffarabad and other areas of AJK after several weeks of strikes. Public transport is partially restored, and markets are reopening, although some traders' representatives indicated businesses would fully resume over the weekend. A government official noted that most markets were closed on Sunday due to the weekly holiday, expressing hope for a return to normal commercial activity on Monday.

Despite the signs of revival, fuel shortages continue to hamper the full resumption of transport services, with most gas stations remaining closed on Sunday. Officials anticipate the issue will be resolved on Monday. Transporters stated that services would be fully restored once the government permits regular fuel supplies. Concurrently, the AJK government is scheduled to present its annual budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly today, with a proposed outlay of Rs286 billion.

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After the way this game has been played with us, will you still take part in this sham and fraudulent election?