MUZAFFARABAD: The government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has announced a reward of PKR 10 million for information leading to the arrest of four wanted members of the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), officials confirmed.
The names on the reward list include Shaukat Nawaz Mir, Umar Nazir Kashmiri, Khawaja Mehran Arshad, and Sardar Aman Khan. Authorities stated that anyone providing actionable information that results in the capture of these individuals will be eligible for the reward.
A government notification emphasized that the identity of informants will remain strictly confidential.
The AJK Home Department has directed the Inspector General of Police to implement the reward scheme immediately and take all necessary measures to facilitate the arrests.
Officials said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to ensure law and order and curb the activities of banned organizations in the region.
Sedition Probe Ordered as AJK Initiates Proceedings Against Shaukat Nawaz Mir and Khawaja Mehran Arshad
Meanwhile, the Home Department of the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has formally initiated legal proceedings against Shaukat Nawaz Mir and Khawaja Mehran Arshad on allegations related to sedition and anti-state activities.
According to official notifications issued by the Home Department, authorities have ordered an investigation into speeches, writings, publications, and electronic communications allegedly linked to Shaukat Nawaz Mir that may fall under Section 124-A of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Penal Code.
The department stated that after reviewing available records and evidence it concluded that the allegations warrant further investigation in accordance with the law.
Under Section 196 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the relevant district police authorities have been directed to complete their investigations and submit challans before the competent courts.
Officials said that the available evidence and records in both cases require detailed examination and further inquiry.
According to sources, a purported leaked audio call dated June 6 allegedly featured Shaukat Nawaz Mir and Khawaja Mehran Arshad discussing plans involving protests, blockades, confrontations, and activities targeting state institutions in Rawalakot. The audio recording was reportedly broadcast by several national media outlets on the previous night.
Sources further claimed that similarities between the conversations heard in the leaked audio and the violent incidents that subsequently occurred in Rawalakot have strengthened the basis for the ongoing investigation.
Investigative agencies are reportedly examining the alleged planning, coordination, incitement, and the possible connection between the recorded discussions and the events that followed.
The government has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Muzaffarabad to investigate Shaukat Nawaz Mir, while the SSP Mirpur has been tasked with completing the inquiry against Khawaja Mehran Arshad and submitting findings to the relevant courts.
Authorities said that all aspects of the case, including alleged attacks on state institutions, damage to public property, disruption of public order, and incitement to violence, will form part of the investigation.
Government sources stated that any individuals found to have planned, facilitated, supported or encouraged violent activities would be held accountable under the law.
The allegations remain under investigation and no court has yet determined the guilt or liability of the individuals concerned.
