ISLAMABAD: The federal government approved the deployment of Frontier Constabulary (FC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) following a request from the state aimed at enhancing the security situation. This decision was made after a meeting between AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad.
During their discussion, the leaders reviewed the law and order situation, the prevailing political landscape, and the AJK government’s budget for the next fiscal year. Sources indicate that the FC will assist the AJK police and provide robust security for the Neelum-Jhelum, Mangla, and Gulpur hydro-power projects.
Six FC platoons will be deployed in AJK for a three-month period, according to sources.
Interior Minister Naqvi assured Prime Minister Haq of comprehensive cooperation to maintain peace and improve security in the area.
This deployment follows recent violent protests in AJK, which resulted in multiple deaths, including a policeman, and dozens of injuries during four days of demonstrations against inflation and high electricity tariffs. The deteriorating law and order situation had previously led the AJK government to summon Rangers to control the unrest.
Additionally, the FC’s deployment aligns with the federal government’s recent announcement of operation “Azm-e-Istehkam,” a national counter-terrorism initiative aimed at intensifying efforts against militants threatening Pakistan. The decision for this new operation was made during a Central Apex Committee meeting on the National Action Plan (NAP), receiving unanimous approval from all stakeholders, including provinces, Gilgit Baltistan (GB), and AJK, according to a statement from the PM’s Office.
The renewed and intensified actions by the armed forces will be supported by all law enforcement agencies.
