Azad Kashmir Residents Stock Essential Supplies Amid Rising Uncertainty

MUZAFFARABAD: In response to fears of extended disruptions following violent clashes between protesters and security forces, residents of Azad Kashmir have begun stocking up on food and essential goods.

The buying frenzy follows some of the most severe unrest the Himalayan territory has seen in recent years. At least 11 people lost their lives and more than 70 were injured in clashes in Rawalakot over the weekend, reports said. The conflict centers on a dispute over 12 seats in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that are reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir and their descendants living elsewhere in Pakistan.

The unrest is tied to the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a civil‑rights coalition that has mounted protests over economic and political grievances. JAAC demands the abolition of the 12 reserved seats, arguing they enable Pakistan’s mainstream parties to shape government formation before the July 27 elections.

Last week, authorities declared JAAC a proscribed organization under anti‑terrorism legislation, while officials accuse the group’s supporters of attacking security personnel during the latest violence. JAAC refutes these allegations, claiming security forces used excessive force.

Facing uncertainty about how the situation will evolve, locals are buying larger quantities of staples such as flour, cooking oil, and other household necessities.

“Because of concerns about a possible lockdown, people are purchasing more supplies than usual, as no one knows how long the situation may last,” said shopkeeper Muneeb Haider to AFP.

“Those who would normally buy 10 kilograms of an item are now buying 20 kilograms as a precaution. Many people are trying to stock up on essential goods.”

Haider added that demand has risen sharply in recent days as families prepare for potential further disruptions.

“People are purchasing items in larger quantities, but the good news is that these goods are still available at reasonable prices,” he said.

Local resident Usman Ahmad explained how the unrest has prompted households to prepare for an extended period of disruption.

“Because of the lockdown, we are buying essential goods, and there is no idea how long it will last—it could even take a month,” Ahmad said.

“That’s why we are purchasing necessary items in advance. The situation remains uncertain.”

The latest turmoil follows months of tension between the regional government and JAAC, which rose to prominence through demonstrations over rising electricity and flour prices. Large‑scale protests last year led authorities to announce subsidies and relief measures after clashes that left several people dead.

The dispute has now shifted to the region’s electoral system, with courts and political leaders deliberating the future of the reserved refugee seats as campaigning heats up ahead of next month’s vote.

A setback for JAAC’s campaign came Sunday when the AJK Supreme Court ruled that the reserved seats enjoy constitutional protection and cannot be abolished through executive or administrative action.

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