AJK seeks additional federal forces

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has sought additional security forces from the federal government, citing the prevailing law and order situation and ongoing protest activities by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (Jaac).

The AJK Home Department has sent a formal request to Pakistan's Ministry of Interior, seeking the immediate deployment of additional personnel to assist in maintaining peace and security across the region.

According to the request, the AJK government has asked for 4,000 personnel of the Federal Constabulary as well as seven wings of the Pakistan Rangers to be deployed in the territory.

The home department urged the federal government to provide the additional forces urgently in view of the prevailing security situation.

The letter states that law and order has been adversely affected by the protest activities of the proscribed Jaac. It also refers to an ongoing sit-in at Rawalakot and protest activities in other districts.

According to the communication, four security personnel have been martyred while 174 others have sustained injuries during the unrest.

The AJK government has also requested that the additional security personnel be equipped with weapons and anti-riot gear to effectively deal with any law and order situation.

Describing the situation as serious, it said the immediate deployment of additional federal forces had become indispensable to maintain peace and ensure public safety in the region.