Former Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Raja Muhammad Farooq Haider Khan has urged authorities to intervene immediately to prevent further bloodshed in Rawalakot amid reports of violent clashes between security personnel and protesters.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in the city, where supporters of the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have reportedly clashed with security forces, with casualties alleged on both sides.
In a statement shared on X on Friday, Haider appealed for urgent action to restore calm.
“I appeal to the concerned quarters to intervene to stop the bloodshed in Rawalakot before it is too late,” he said.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) also expressed alarm over the reported violence, saying it was “deeply concerned by reports of a fresh spate of violence in Rawalakot in AJK, with allegations of casualties among both protesters and law enforcement personnel”.
Referring to findings from its fact-finding mission to AJK in August, the commission called on both the federal and regional governments to prevent further escalation and initiate meaningful negotiations to address public grievances.
The HRCP also demanded unrestricted media access to the affected areas, stressing the importance of independent reporting.
“The priority must be to prevent any loss of life and resolve the situation through political dialogue rather than by force,” the commission stated.
The appeals come amid heightened security concerns in AJK, where authorities have recently introduced additional measures concerning privately held weapons.
On Thursday, the AJK government ordered all residents holding firearm licences to register them at their nearest police stations within 10 days.
According to a notification issued by the AJK Home Department, licences not registered within the specified period would be considered cancelled.
The measure was approved by AJK President Dr Najeeb Naqi, with authorities citing public safety and the maintenance of law and order.
The reported casualties in Rawalakot have not been independently verified, and the precise circumstances surrounding the latest clashes remain unclear.