Current Situation in Azad Kashmir: What Is Happening in Poonch and Across AJK?
Interested in staying updated on recent developments in Rawalakot and across Kashmir? Here is a breakdown of the current situation.
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Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has experienced an important period of political and social change during the summer of 2026. The situation has received attention from Pakistani and international media due to protests, discussions about governance and electoral representation, disruptions to communication services, and changes to the recent Legislative Assembly elections.
One of the areas most affected has been Poonch Division, particularly around Rawalakot. At the same time, developments are now moving toward a new political phase following the formation of the new AJK government.
This article explains the situation in simple terms and provides links to reliable news reports and videos for readers who want to understand what has happened.
What Is Happening in Azad Kashmir?
The recent situation in AJK developed around several issues raised by local civil society groups.
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) became the main organization associated with the protests. Its demands included economic issues, governance reforms and changes to the system of representation in the AJK Legislative Assembly.
One of the major political issues concerned 12 seats reserved for people described in the AJK constitutional system as refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir.
According to Al Jazeera's reporting, the JAAC's demands eventually expanded to a broader list of political and economic issues. The government and the protest movement differed over several of these questions.
The situation became particularly serious in Poonch Division, where Rawalakot became an important center of demonstrations and political activity.
Why Is Poonch Important?
Poonch is one of the major divisions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It includes areas such as:
Rawalakot
Bagh
Haveli
Sudhnoti
Rawalakot is the administrative headquarters of Poonch Division.
During the recent developments, Rawalakot became one of the main locations associated with the JAAC movement. Because of this, Poonch received considerable attention from national and international media.
Al Jazeera reported that Poonch became the main centre of the protests, while road closures and communication disruptions affected everyday activities in the area.
Updates:
The situation in Rawalakot and the broader Pakistan-administered Kashmir (Azad Jammu and Kashmir, or AJK) region remains tense, driven by large-scale civil unrest and political volatility.
Key Drivers of Unrest
Civil Subsidies & Governance: Protests led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) initially stemmed from economic grievances, including high electricity tariffs, the removal of wheat subsidies, and regional resource distribution.
Wikipedia: 2026 Azad Kashmir protests
- Legislative Representation Controversy: The primary flashpoint is a push to abolish 12 legislative assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living elsewhere in Pakistan. Protesters argue these seats distort local representation, though a regional court ruled they are constitutionally protected.
Current Ground Situation
Rawalakot as the Epicenter: Rawalakot has served as a central hub for demonstrations, sit-ins, and long-march mobilizations targeting the capital, Muzaffarabad.
Al Jazeera-Deadly protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir: What’s going on?
Security & Internet Blackouts: Local authorities banned the JAAC under anti-terrorism regulations, leading to heavy deployments of federal paramilitary forces, periodic communication blackouts, and road blockades.
Casualties & Clashes: Repeated direct clashes between security forces and demonstrators in Rawalakot and nearby districts have resulted in tens of civilian and security personnel fatalities, alongside hundreds of arrests.
Overall, the region faces persistent political instability, intermittent trade disruptions, and fragile security conditions as talks between local civil leaders and federal authorities fail to reach a permanent resolution.
What Were People Asking For?
The demands discussed during the protests covered several areas.
1. Political Representation
A major issue was the 12 reserved seats in the AJK Legislative Assembly.
The JAAC called for changes to these seats, while government officials argued that constitutional provisions would need to be considered before making such changes.
This became one of the central political questions during the election period.
2. Economic Issues
Economic concerns were also part of the wider discussion.
Earlier demands included matters related to electricity prices, flour subsidies, and the cost of living. These economic questions later became part of a larger list of demands concerning governance and public services.
3. Governance
Another important part of the discussion was the relationship between the AJK government, the federal government in Islamabad and the region's elected institutions.
The debate has brought renewed attention to questions about local decision-making and political representation in Azad Kashmir.
What Happened During the Protests?
Beginning in June 2026, demonstrations, strikes and road blockades occurred in different parts of AJK.
Poonch Division experienced some of the most serious disruptions. Markets, transportation and other daily activities were affected at different times.
Communication services were also interrupted in several areas.
Al Jazeera reported that the internet shutdown particularly affected Poonch, while residents faced difficulties with travel, education, business and access to information.
The protests also resulted in clashes between protesters and security personnel. Different organizations and media outlets reported different casualty figures, so readers should be careful when comparing numbers from different sources.
What Happened to the AJK Elections?
The situation also affected the 2026 AJK Legislative Assembly elections.
The election was originally expected to take place on one date, but the Election Commission divided voting into several phases because of the situation in different parts of the region.
The first phase took place in Mirpur Division on July 27.
The second phase took place on August 2 in Muzaffarabad Division and for reserved constituencies.
The third phase was scheduled for August 10, but voting in several constituencies of Poonch and Sudhnoti was postponed because of security concerns.
This means that the election process itself became closely connected with the situation in Poonch.
What Happened in Poonch During the Election?
Poonch remained one of the most sensitive areas during the election period.
Al Jazeera reported that voting in seven constituencies was postponed, including five constituencies in Poonch and two in Sudhnoti. Four constituencies were able to vote during the third phase.
Reuters also reported that the final phase of voting was postponed in seven of the remaining 11 constituencies because of security concerns.
This is an important point for anyone trying to understand the current political situation: the recent events were not limited to protests; they also directly affected the electoral process.
What Is the Situation Now?
By late August, Azad Kashmir entered a new political phase.
Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani was elected Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on August 28, 2026. He received 30 votes out of 44 votes cast in the Legislative Assembly. His election marked the return of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to power in AJK after about a decade.
The new government has started focusing on restoring normal public services.
One important recent development is the restoration of internet services.
According to recent Pakistani media reports, the AJK government began restoring internet connectivity in phases across different parts of the region. Reports on August 31 said services had already been restored in some areas, including Mirpur, Bhimber, Haveli and Neelum Valley, while restoration was continuing elsewhere.
This is an important development for students, businesses, freelancers, families and people who depend on online communication.
What About Poonch and Sudhnoti Now?
The situation in Poonch and Sudhnoti is still an important part of the wider discussion.
A recent peace march in Sudhnoti called for the restoration of internet services, removal of road blockades, improved movement of people and goods, and the completion of elections in constituencies where voting was postponed.
The focus is therefore gradually moving from the events of June and July toward restoring normal life, communication, education, transportation, and the electoral process.
The postponed constituencies remain an important issue because their representatives still need to be elected.
Why Was the Internet Shutdown Important?
Internet access has become an essential part of modern life.
For people living in mountainous areas such as Poonch, Sudhnoti and other parts of AJK, internet services are important for:
University and school education
Online classes
Freelancing
Banking
Business
Communication with family members
News and information
Emergency communication
Travel planning
The prolonged disruption therefore had effects beyond politics.
Al Jazeera reported that the internet shutdown and road restrictions created practical difficulties for ordinary residents, including difficulties in accessing healthcare and travelling between areas.
What Is the Main Issue Behind the Recent Situation?
The recent developments can be understood through three broad themes:
Political representation — questions surrounding the 12 reserved refugee seats and the structure of the Legislative Assembly.
Economic concerns — discussions about electricity, flour, taxation, living costs and public services.
Governance — questions about the authority of AJK institutions and the relationship between the regional and federal governments.
These issues came together during the 2026 election period and produced a much wider political discussion across the region.
International Media Coverage of Azad Kashmir.png)
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The situation in AJK attracted considerable international media attention.
Al Jazeera Coverage
Al Jazeera has published several detailed reports explaining the situation.
Deadly protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir: What’s going on?
This is a useful starting point for readers who want a simple explanation of how the situation developed.
Read Al Jazeera's explanation of the Azad Kashmir protests
Pakistan-administered Kashmir elections and protests – all you need to know
This report provides a timeline of the events and explains the role of Poonch and Rawalakot.
Read Al Jazeera's election and protest explainer
Pakistan's Kashmir votes: Why the election hinges on 12 disputed seats
This article explains the political debate surrounding the 12 reserved seats.
Read Al Jazeera's report on the 12 reserved seats
Al Jazeera Video Coverage
Al Jazeera has also produced a short video explaining the reasons behind the unrest.
Watch Al Jazeera: What's driving unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir?
Another Al Jazeera video covers the final phase of the AJK elections.
Watch Al Jazeera: Final phase of voting in Pakistan-administered Kashmir
These videos can be useful for readers who prefer visual explanations rather than long articles.
Reuters Coverage
Reuters also reported on the election delays and the situation in Poonch.
Read Reuters: Final vote delayed in parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir
Reuters also published video footage from Muzaffarabad showing the effect of the shutdowns on markets and daily activity during the earlier stage of the protests.
View Reuters video coverage from Muzaffarabad
AJK Is Now Moving Into a New Phase
The situation in Azad Kashmir has changed considerably since June.
The early period was dominated by demonstrations, strikes, road restrictions and communication problems. The election process was then conducted in stages, with some constituencies postponed.
Now, a new AJK government is in place and internet services have begun returning in parts of the region.
The next important steps include:
Completing elections in the postponed constituencies
Restoring full communication services
Improving transportation between areas
Supporting schools and universities
Ensuring the availability of essential goods
Continuing political dialogue
Addressing questions about electoral representation
Restoring normal economic activity
What Does This Mean for Ordinary People?
For ordinary residents, the most important issue is a return to normal daily life.
People need reliable roads, functioning markets, internet access, schools, healthcare facilities, transportation and communication.
Poonch and Sudhnoti are important parts of Azad Kashmir with large communities living in towns as well as mountainous villages. The recent situation has shown how closely political developments can affect everyday life.
The restoration of services and continuation of the political process can therefore be important steps toward normality.
Final Thoughts
The current situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir is the result of several issues coming together during an important election year.
The events began with economic and governance-related demands and developed into a much wider debate about political representation and the structure of AJK's institutions.
Poonch Division, especially Rawalakot, became the main centre of the movement, while Sudhnoti was also affected by the disruption.
The 2026 elections were consequently conducted in phases, with voting postponed in several Poonch and Sudhnoti constituencies.
With a new AJK government now in place and internet services beginning to return, attention is increasingly turning toward restoring public services, completing the electoral process and finding practical solutions to the issues raised during the recent months.
For readers outside Azad Kashmir, it is important to understand that the region is much more than the headlines surrounding the recent events. It is home to millions of people, beautiful valleys and mountains, universities, businesses, towns and villages, and a large overseas community.
Understanding the current situation through reliable news sources can help readers separate facts from rumours and gain a clearer picture of what is happening in Azad Kashmir.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening in Azad Kashmir in 2026?
Azad Kashmir has experienced major political developments during 2026, including protests, discussions about governance and electoral representation, communication disruptions and phased Legislative Assembly elections.
Why is Poonch important in the current situation?
Poonch Division, particularly Rawalakot, became a major centre of the protests and political activity. Several constituencies in Poonch and neighbouring Sudhnoti were affected by the election-related security situation.
What happened to the AJK elections?
The 2026 Legislative Assembly elections were conducted in phases. Voting in several Poonch and Sudhnoti constituencies was postponed because of security concerns.
Who is the current Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir?
Syed Iftikhar Ali Gilani was elected Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir on August 28, 2026.
Has internet service returned to Azad Kashmir?
Internet services have started returning in parts of AJK following months of disruption. Restoration has been taking place in phases.
Where can I watch international coverage of the situation?
Al Jazeera has published several articles and videos explaining the protests, Poonch situation and AJK elections. Reuters has also published reports and video footage from the region.
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