State institutions are taking all necessary measures to restore law and order, ensure the protection of citizens, and maintain uninterrupted public services in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

This was stated by AJK Interior Secretary Chaudhry Guftar Hussain while addressing a joint news conference with AJK Secretary for Education Qazi Inayat in Muzaffarabad today.

Chaudhry Guftar Hussain said the proscribed Awami Action Committee has been attempting to disrupt peace and normal life in the region for the past thirty-eight days.

He said the group has used protests as a cover for intimidation, blackmail, and propaganda while pursuing an agenda aimed at promoting anti-Pakistan narratives and maligning the Armed Forces of Pakistan. He added that the committee is also attempting to undermine the historic relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir.

The Interior Secretary said traders have been threatened into closing their businesses, while students, women, and children are being used as human shields during protests.

He said the overwhelming majority of the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir have rejected the disruptive agenda of the proscribed organization. He added that normal life has been restored in most parts of the region, and educational institutions have resumed academic activities.

Chaudhry Guftar Hussain said law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared to respond to any attempt at intimidation, coercion, or unrest in accordance with the law.

Referring to recent developments, he said the ringleader of the proscribed committee, Khawaja Mehran, had issued a forty-eight-hour deadline to block the entry points to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. He said similar threats had failed in the past and would not succeed.

He added that previous protests by the proscribed organization had already caused billions of rupees in economic losses to the region.

Chaudhry Guftar Hussain further said armed miscreants opened indiscriminate fire on civilians at the Muttial Maira Bus Terminal in Rawalakot early this morning. He said when police attempted to stop the firing, the armed groups attacked law enforcement personnel with automatic weapons and explosives.

He said law enforcement agencies immediately launched an operation against the armed elements, while Rangers personnel have also reached Rawalakot to assist the police.

According to the Interior Secretary, one security official embraced martyrdom and another was injured during the clashes.

He said a clearance operation is continuing at Baloch Bazaar to restore traffic on the Kotli-Tararkhal Road and other key highways. He added that the operation will continue until all major roads are cleared to ensure public safety, restore the supply of essential commodities, and establish lasting peace.

He reiterated that no disruptive group would be allowed to hold citizens, businesses, educational institutions, or healthcare services hostage.

Chaudhry Guftar Hussain said normal life has been restored in most districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, except parts of Rawalakot. He added that government and private educational institutions are functioning normally. He further said summer camps for board classes formally commenced yesterday in most parts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Leepa, and Kel.

In his remarks, AJK Secretary for Education Qazi Inayat said involving students in protest activities deprives them of education and jeopardizes the future of the younger generation.