AJK Police Chief Urges Vigilance Against Disinformation Amidst Regional Tensions
In a recent press conference, Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Captain (retd) Liaqat Ali Malik, issued a stern warning to citizens both domestically and abroad regarding the proliferation of disinformation and AI-generated content. Emphasizing that the region is currently navigating a volatile “hybrid warfare” environment, the IGP urged the public to exercise extreme caution and rely solely on verified government sources rather than anonymous social media reports. His comments come as the region experiences significant political unrest, with many fearing that fabrications are being circulated to incite instability and undermine the state’s efforts to maintain order.
Addressing concerns regarding the freedom of movement within the territory, IGP Malik categorically rejected claims that the government had blocked entry points into AJK. He confirmed that primary access routes, including Kohala, Azad Pattan, and Bararkot, remain fully operational for all types of traffic, including essential commodity vehicles. The police chief acknowledged that while routine security protocols are in place, the authorities are not obstructing transit. Instead, he blamed activists from the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) for creating artificial bottlenecks, accusing them of erecting unauthorized barriers and interfering with the movement of goods-laden trucks.
A focal point of the IGP’s briefing was the role of the international media in the ongoing crisis. Malik specifically criticized a recent report by BBC Urdu, arguing that it relied on unverified allegations and failed to provide the government an opportunity to present its side of the story. He reaffirmed that official channels, including the Public Information Department’s fact-checking platform on X, are the only reliable sources for updates. The police chief explicitly requested that media organizations verify all reports concerning the AJK police force with their public relations office before broadcasting, cautioning against the dangers of airing sensationalist videos from unverified accounts.
The situation on the ground remains complex, characterized by a mixed response to a protest strike called by the JAAC. While life has largely continued as normal in the Mirpur division, Muzaffarabad and Poonch have faced periodic shutdowns and service disruptions, including the suspension of internet access and the closure of most petrol stations. Residents in Muzaffarabad have been seen queuing for fuel—often restricted to limited quantities—highlighting the logistical strain the unrest has placed on daily life. Despite these challenges, the JAAC has clarified that it intends to continue its movement through peaceful sit-ins rather than a planned long march, as had been previously speculated.
In a move to assert the writ of the state, the AJK government has initiated disciplinary proceedings against civil servants involved in the agitation. Official notifications confirm the suspension of several employees, including teachers, electricity department staff, and medical college personnel, for participating in protests that violate government service rules. Authorities have warned that these measures are just the beginning, signaling that further disciplinary actions—up to and including termination—are likely for any public servant found supporting the proscribed organization’s activities.
The current unrest is deeply rooted in the lead-up to the July 27 AJK Legislative Assembly elections. The JAAC has been demanding the abolition of 12 seats reserved for refugees from occupied Kashmir, a structural issue that has long been a source of regional political friction. Following the government’s decision to declare the JAAC a proscribed organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act on June 5, a widespread crackdown has seen dozens of leaders arrested and 147 activists placed on the Fourth Schedule. As the government continues its efforts to neutralize the influence of the banned group, the plea from the IGP for information integrity underscores the high stakes of the battle currently being fought over the narrative of the region’s stability.