What is the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Azad Kashmir?

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is a ground-level civil society coalition in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

Unlike political parties, the JAAC unites traders, transporters, lawyers, students, teachers, and local leaders on the same platform.

Its fundamental objective is to project public voices against inflation, bad governance, and social grievances in the region.

Why was JAAC established?

Citizens in Azad Kashmir have traditionally complained of increasing costs for food, electricity, and fuel, as well as non-transparency in governance.

To speak as one, several unions and organizations united to form the Joint Awami Action Committee.

The concept was easy: a collective people’s movement that would not be silenced.

What does JAAC ask for?

The JAAC has submitted meticulously prepared charters of demands. These are:

• Cutting prices of electricity and flour
• Fair trade policies and subsidies on staple items
• Improved public facilities and infrastructure
• Transparency and accountability in government
• Relief to lower-class communities hit by inflation

During one negotiation, they even tabled a 38-point charter, compelling the government to take them seriously.

How does JAAC protest?

The committee coordinates:

• Shutter-down strikes (markets shut down)
• Transport strikes (cars off the roads)
• Mass rallies and sit-ins throughout AJK, particularly in Muzaffarabad
• Peaceful negotiations when the government initiates dialogue

At times, these protests have escalated into a confrontation between protestors and security forces and have resulted in fatalities.

Nonetheless, JAAC insists that its movement is for the people and not politics.

Why does it matter?

Joint Awami Action Committee Azad Kashmir, The JAAC has emerged as a symbol of public resistance and accountability in Azad Kashmir.

It demonstrates that when common citizens join hands across professions and backgrounds, they can bring governments back to the negotiating table.

At least 25 points out of 38 demands were accepted by the government in recent talks, validating the committee’s strength.