MUZAFFARABAD: Raja Waseem Aslam, a UK-based businessman and philanthropist with roots in the Khui Ratta area of Kotli and longstanding ties to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has strongly condemned recent attacks on law enforcement personnel in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
In a statement issued amid growing unrest in the region, Raja Waseem Aslam called for dialogue and reconciliation among all stakeholders to prevent further violence and restore stability.
His remarks come after deadly clashes in Rawalakot between supporters of the newly banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) and law enforcement agencies. The violence left at least four police officers dead and more than 20 others injured. Several civilians were also reported killed or wounded during the confrontations.
Authorities have described the incident as a serious breakdown in law and order. Officials allege that armed individuals infiltrated the protest and carried out coordinated attacks on police and security personnel. The government is considering further security measures, including a possible curfew and a broader crackdown on those involved in the violence.
Condemning the attacks, Raja Waseem Aslam said the killing of law enforcement personnel could not be justified under any political or economic cause.
“The targeting and killing of law enforcement personnel is absolutely unacceptable and cannot be justified under any political or economic grievance,” he said.
He added that police and security officials serve and protect the people of the region and should not be targeted.
“Those in uniform are sons of this soil and are protecting our people. Attacking them is an attack on AJK itself,” he said.
The AJK government has formally banned the Joint Awami Action Committee, accusing the group of involvement in terrorism-related activities, spreading hatred, and creating disorder in the region.
The organization previously led large-scale protests across AJK, some of which turned violent during confrontations with law enforcement authorities in May 2024 and September 2025.